TATTOO: British Tattoo Art Revealed, created by the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, is currently on tour around the country.

Torre Abbey Museum in Torbay is its first stop and is opening its doors for free to National Lottery players to thank them for making the exhibition possible. One National Lottery ticket can be used for free entry to the museum for one adult. Children and teenagers can already visit for free.

Tattoo Tales

Artworks, photos, historical artefacts and 100 tattooed silicone arms make up the fascinating collection. It aims to challenge pre-conceptions and celebrate tattooing’s rich artistic heritage – from the possible appearance of the word tattoo following Captain Cook’s voyage to the story of Jessie Knight who was Britain’s first female tattooist.

Torre Abbey Museum has also been collecting photos of people’s tattoos and the inspirations and feelings behind them.

It is estimated that one in five people in the UK have a tattoo. Dozens of stories have been recorded including:

• Mark from Lossiemouth tattoo tribute to endangered species
• Dan’s ‘Survivor’ tattoo following brain cancer
• Mischa and Tamara matching tattoos which they got instead of rings when they married
• Abi’s symbol of support for people with mental health problems
• Lisa's image of a North Cornwall tin mine to remind her of family and happy times.

Not in Torbay?

All the tattoo tales are available to see and read on Torre Abbey Museum’s Tattoo Tales website and Instagram page. Why not share your own using #TorbayTattooTales

Remember to keep an eye out for the next stop of the TATTOO: British Tattoo Art Revealed tour.