'It was a long four months': Northampton tattooists goes 'above and beyond' to make studio safe

Cleanliness is pretty standard for tattooists but one in Northampton believes they have gone 'above and beyond' to open after the coronavirus lockdown.

Revelation Tattoo Studio has a whole new procedure for customers as well as even more PPE to keep the risk of infection as low as possible since reopening on Monday (July 13).

The Derngate tattoo parlour has managed to book in most of the backlog caused by the enforced closure too, meaning a busy rest of the year for the team.

Manager Phil Bennett told the Chronicle & Echo: "It's been really busy, we're making up for lost time and all of our customers have been happy with our procedures.

"I think we have above and beyond - we've got hand sanitisers everywhere, customers have to wear gloves and masks while the artists have gloves, arm guards, visors and gowns.

"We're just trying our best to keep everyone safe as much as we can - we've got a screen at reception too and customers can't eat or drink either."

Revelation launched in Northampton two years ago as one of seven studios across the country with a focus on guest artists rather than residencies.

So tattooists from all around the world have spent time at the Derngate parlour with just one resident artist, Lorand Szakacs, which Phil believes gives them something different and exciting.

But the Covid-19 pandemic has put an end to guest artists for the time being so it is just up to Lorand to get through the numerous customers put back by the lockdown.

Phil said it was a 'shock' to hear the announcement last Thursday that tattooists could reopen four days later after the disappointment of not being allowed to get back to work on July 4.

But as the team had been preparing for the earlier date with some bookings already made, they were ready to welcome customers back safely.

"We have been using PPE before even knew what it was as we wear gloves and aprons so we were already doing it," he said.

"So we were disappointed not to open on July 4, as were customers as we had booked them in as we thought we were the same as hairdressers but we opened the following week so it's not the end of the world.

"We didn't know how long it would be as we didn't know what category we would be in if we're not with hairdressers.

"The difference was something to do with tattoos taking longer but I don't agree with that and customers are very safe."

One thing the tattooists miss is the chance for glory - Revelation artists won around 60 competitions at conventions around the world last year.

There were hopes to beat that record in 2020, having won 24 in January alone, but all conventions have been cancelled or postponed because of the pandemic.

"We're very disappointed we can't do the conventions but we understand why," Phil said.

"Competitions are stressful as there's pressure to get things finished as in the studio you get as much time as you want.

"But when you win a contest that's worth it and adds to the prestige of the shop."

Nevertheless, Phil and his team are pleased to be back and four months of lockdown has given people a lot of time to think about getting a tattoo and what design to go for.

He also believes with many holidays cancelled, some are putting the money they would have spent on that on a tattoo instead.

Plus the pandemic has been a tragic time for many so Phil has had a few people wanted to pay tribute to lost loved ones in ink.

Revelation is still doing free consultations with those thinking of getting a tattoo - as long as it is through the perspex screen and an appointment is made in advance.

"It's a mad world, everyone rushes around so people have had time to look and find pictures and message us as we've been answering messages during the lockdown," he said.

"But it was a long four months as I'm used to working six days a week, I'm a bit of a grafter so I'm not made for sitting around doing nothing."