Gruodžio 17, 2024
Meet the Lithuanian Woman Who Made History by Building England’s First Tattoo Bar

As a child, she would draw not princesses, but mystical and magical beings, angels, and demons. Today, the drawings of VILMA ALEKSANDRAVIČIŪTĖ-VITKAUSKIENĖ, founder of the first tattoo bar in England and a talented tattoo artist, have moved from paper and canvases to human skin.

I visit the TATTOO BAR in London’s Royal Wharf district on the eve of Halloween, when the space is surrounded by mystical decorations. However, the magical atmosphere here is ever-present, no matter the season. Upon entering, the impressive space immediately catches the eye – the floors resemble the surface of the moon, while a majestic sculpture of the Moon Goddess seems to guard the place. On the second floor, a striking moon installation further enhances the mystical impression.

“New visitors often ask: ‘Do we need to get a tattoo first before we can enjoy a cocktail?’ – laughs Vilma. – There are no places like this in England, so not everyone understands the concept.”

Vilma’s life, much like her bar, is full of intriguing details. Coming from a Lithuanian family with noble roots whose history stretches back centuries, she shocked everyone when she chose a career as a tattoo artist. “My grandmother once told me I was doing a ‘criminal’s job’ and bringing shame to the family,” Vilma recalls. However, times, trends, and attitudes have changed, and her grandmother later even asked her to design and tattoo a family symbol. This space, created with the help of loved ones, reflects not only Vilma’s passion for tattoos but also the strength of her family.

Vilma, how did the idea of opening this kind of bar come about?

The idea came from my clients. I’ve been tattooing for 20 years, and I would often hear the same thing, especially after completing more challenging works: “I deserve to treat myself to a cocktail, champagne, or a glass of wine.” Many clients come with a support team because not everyone dares to come alone, and afterward, they want to celebrate the tattooing process. They often joked, “Why don’t you open a bar next to the studio?” Eventually, I thought – why not create a place where a bar and a tattoo studio coexist?

If someone is afraid of the pain, can they have a cocktail before getting a tattoo?

No, absolutely not. At first, I thought it would be impossible to get a license for this combination – a bar and a tattoo studio. But we succeeded, even though alcohol and tattoo studios are traditionally considered incompatible. It’s just a stereotype in movies that a group of friends drinks too many cocktails and then wakes up with strange tattoos on their foreheads. Responsible artists would never tattoo someone who’s been drinking – it’s even illegal. You can only have a cocktail here after the tattooing session is complete and you’ve closed the studio door behind you. Everything is strictly controlled, and all processes must be in order. Before a tattoo, a client must sign a form confirming they are sober, understand what they are doing, accept responsibility, and have no health issues, such as allergies.

You’ve been a tattoo artist for over 20 years. How have trends changed over this time?

Trends have changed drastically. They are always dictated by celebrities and public figures. When I started, there were no social media or internet in Lithuania, so sources of ideas were quite limited. We would look for tattoo designs in foreign catalogues. At that time, trends were relatively simple – women often chose minimalist designs like roses, lizards, scorpions, spiders, or dragons. Men favoured patterns running across their arms or backs, resembling spikes – almost every young man had one. Today, many clients come back asking to modernize or cover up those tattoos with new designs.

There were also short-lived trends like barcodes on the neck with birthdates or similar symbols, often inspired by popular movies.

Nowadays, trends are shaped by social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Recently, I’ve noticed two main directions – either super minimalistic, subtle tattoos, or large, detailed works that cover significant parts of the body. Medium-sized tattoos have almost disappeared. Lotus flowers and geometric tattoos have also become popular, often tied to yoga, self-discovery, inner harmony, and spirituality.

How many tattoos do you have, and what do they mean to you?

I don’t have many; I’d like more, but I can’t tattoo myself, and I often don’t have time to visit another artist. I have a few larger tattoos, one of which, on my arm, is particularly important. When I was younger, I got a bracelet tattoo – it was a huge trend back then. Pamela Anderson had one, and many girls, including me, followed the trend. Over time, I realized the bracelet no longer reflected who I was and decided to create something more meaningful. My new tattoo became not only a work of art but also a symbol of my life. It features a hat, symbolizing my heritage. My grandmother used to tell stories about our family being descended from counts and having “blue blood.” The design also incorporates family symbols – my husband and two children. It’s a tattoo that represents not only my roots but also the responsibility and strength I’ve had to develop throughout life. Growing up with just my mother and sister, I had to learn to be independent from an early age. This tattoo reminds me that my family is my foundation, and I always strive to hold everything together, care for my loved ones, and persevere even through the hardest times.

That’s very meaningful. Could you tell us more about your family history and your grandmother’s stories?

My grandmother often told us that our family descended from German counts. She even taught my future husband that he should only gift me orchids because we were “blue blooded.” Our noble lineage comes from my mother’s side – my grandmother’s surname was Zeger, and my grandfather’s was Zauver. Over time, the surnames were adapted to Lithuanian language. Unfortunately, during the war, my ancestors were deported, their lands were confiscated, and many documents were burned.

My uncle once tried to trace our family roots in Germany and even visited archives searching for traces of our history. Sadly, he passed away early and couldn’t finish the work. Perhaps one day, when I have more time, I will continue his research and delve deeper into our family history.

Does your husband still gift you orchids as your grandmother recommended?

Yes, at first, he would give me orchids, but later I asked for yellow roses – they are my favourite. Now, I always get yellow roses. He truly is a wonderful husband and supports me in everything. I want to emphasize that everything I’ve achieved is also thanks to him. Without his support, I couldn’t have accomplished so much on my own. The bar and tattoo studio were my ideas, but we made them a reality together as a family.

You’ve created a truly impressive space. Did you hire architects, or did you do everything yourselves?

We did most of the work ourselves with my husband. We had an architect who created the blueprints based on our vision and ensured everything met the required standards. However, the entire design and most of the work – from the floors to the walls and even the sculptures – were created by our own hands. We only needed construction workers’ help for a few more complex areas.

What were the biggest challenges in creating this business in London?

The biggest challenge was dealing with administrative and legal requirements – handling documents, obtaining licenses, and completing numerous courses that took more than two years. For example, obtaining the alcohol license required me to study new laws and procedures. The entire process caused enormous stress – I even lost 10 kilograms in a month. When I hear that starting a business in London is easy, I can’t agree.

On top of that, I faced cultural challenges. Although London is a multicultural city, I sometimes felt that being Lithuanian or a woman in business made things harder. It surprised me that even in such a diverse environment, some biases still exist.

Interestingly, the physical work – the renovations and installations – was the most enjoyable part for me. With the help of my husband and family, we completed everything quickly and with love. The hardest part was handling the technical, legal, and administrative demands. I know others starting businesses in London face similar challenges, like discrepancies between documentation and reality.

I must admit, I expected the tattoo bar to offer some extravagant cocktails, but I was surprised by the classic, refined menu.

That’s thanks to my sister – she’s a professional bartender, and I trust her ideas completely. This bar is truly a family project. My husband took care of the construction, I managed the tattoo studio, and my sister curated the bar. Having such a family team is a huge advantage – I know I can trust each of them. Everything here was created responsibly and with love, and that kind of support gives you courage and confidence.

With sister Alina. With sister Alina.

How have stereotypes and societal attitudes toward tattoos changed? In the past, they were often associated with certain subcultures, gangs or criminal world.

Attitudes have changed dramatically. When I started tattooing, it was during the early days of legal tattoo salons in Lithuania. At first, people were shocked that I, a woman, was doing this kind of work. My family was completely stunned, especially my grandmother. She thought it was “prisoner’s job” and that I was bringing “shame to the family.”

However, over time, even she changed her opinion. Just last summer, before she passed away, my grandmother asked me to design and tattoo our family symbol for her. Being over 80 years old, she came to see tattoos as art.

I’ve noticed a growing trend among older clients seeking tattoos. Initially, most of my clients were under 40, but today, many are from older generations. While younger clients often opt for minimalist, subtle designs, older clients tend to choose larger, more meaningful pieces. For instance, one of my clients, a 78-year-old woman from Lithuania, visited her grandson in London, saw his new tattoo, and decided she wanted one of her own.

Age doesn’t matter to me as long as someone knows what they want. I tattooed a large cobra design on her arm, and she laughed, saying, “My husband called me a cobra my whole life, so now I want one for real.” She joked that when she walks into church in her small Lithuanian town, the church ladies will surely faint from shock. This perfectly reflects how attitudes toward tattoos have changed. Today, they are seen as a form of art. Even older people are beginning to view tattoos as self-expression and beauty.

It’s interesting that my first clients in Lithuania were completely different. Back then, tattoos still carried strong stereotypes and were mostly associated with certain subcultures. My main clients were so-called “boys” (gangsters), and the fact that a young woman was pursuing this profession surprised many. I would often hear questions like, “How do you deal with them? Aren’t you afraid?” But I was always strong and independent. That personality helped me handle everything. Besides, I often noticed that people, once they started feeling the pain of tattooing, quickly dropped their “tough guy” façade and became friendly. Sometimes, I would joke that if someone behaved poorly, I could make the tattoo “a little more painful.” Humor always helped me ease any tension.

In the early years, I even got questions like, “What were you in prison for?” At the time, there was a stereotype that if you were a tattoo artist, you were somehow connected to crime. I once joked, “For murder.”

Today, no one asks those questions anymore. Tattoos are seen as art, and being a tattoo artist is considered a prestigious profession. I often get inquiries about training, which just shows how much the perception and status of this craft have changed.

What are the prices for tattoos in your studio?

The smallest tattoos in our studio start at £50. For example, that could be a single letter or a small symbol. However, the price doesn’t depend solely on size – small designs that are more intricate or require precision can cost up to £200. The final amount always depends on the complexity of the design, the level of detail, and the time required to complete it.

What was the most interesting or challenging tattoo you’ve ever done?

One of the most interesting and challenging tattoos was of a motorcycle engine. The client wanted every detail to be captured with precision – from the bolts to the layout of the pipes. Before starting, I had to thoroughly analyse the photo to understand all the parts and how they connected.

Similar challenges arise when creating thematic tattoos inspired by, for example, Greek or Egyptian mythology. In such cases, I dive into the history and symbolism, reading about deities and their attributes to ensure the design is not only visually beautiful but also meaningful. It’s like a creative research project, which I love because it encourages me to keep learning.

Do you get a lot of impulsive or love-themed tattoo requests?

Before getting a tattoo, it’s very important to think it through, especially for young people. I often try to advise them against impulsive decisions. There are couples who, after just three weeks of dating, want to tattoo each other’s names. In those cases, I try to convince them to reconsider. I understand that in youth, love feels eternal, but even couples who have been together for 20 years can break up. I suggest they choose initials or symbols that are easier to cover up if needed.

Many clients come back asking for “cover-ups” – new designs to replace old tattoos. This just highlights the importance of making a thoughtful decision.

Are colourful tattoos popular among your clients?

Black-and-grey tattoos remain the most popular, especially among Lithuanians, who often prefer a more conservative style. However, clients from other countries love colour – though recently, even they tend to opt for minimalistic accents of colour instead of fully colourful designs. Interestingly, in some European countries, like Germany, certain tattoo inks have already been banned due to potential allergic reactions. Because of this, some clients come to us specifically to get colourful tattoos they can no longer obtain in their own countries.

Have you ever refused to do a tattoo?

Yes, sometimes I get requests I simply can’t accept. For instance, I always refuse to tattoo racist or hate-inciting symbols. While I’m not overly religious or rigid about other ideas, there are things I just don’t want to include in my work – it’s not for me. Symbols associated with hate or discrimination, such as fascist imagery, are absolutely unacceptable. I believe that you can’t make money from everything, and for me, this job isn’t just about earning a living. It’s my passion and hobby, so I choose to work on projects that align with my values.

Do you often deal with undecided clients? How do you help them choose a design?

Yes, there’s no shortage of undecided clients. I always suggest starting with a theme – it’s important that the person at least has an idea of what they find beautiful or meaningful. A tattoo should reflect the person’s personality, as the same design may look perfect on one person and completely wrong on another. The same idea can be brought to life in realism, surrealism, geometric forms, or other styles. Understanding what resonates most with the client is key.

I have clients whose entire bodies are covered with tattoos, but you wouldn’t know it when they’re dressed. I find that very wise – people can have many tattoos while maintaining a neutral appearance when needed. For example, when wearing a suit, no one would suspect that a masterpiece lies beneath. This is especially relevant for formal events like family gatherings or funerals, where maintaining a composed and tidy appearance is important.

For you, are tattoos a calling, a form of creativity? Would you say you create art, but instead of paper or canvas, it’s on human skin?

As a child, my dream was to become a fashion designer. That’s what I aimed for. But life took a different turn, and instead of clothing design, I discovered body design. I’m very happy about that – I don’t regret that my creative path brought me here.

Speaking of your artistic journey, you drew mystical beings, angels, and demons since childhood?

I was born and raised in Šiauliai, Lithuania, where I attended art school. I often received comments from teachers that I developed my style too early. They claimed that only mature artists could have a defined style. I never liked drawing traditional subjects like vases, apples, or flower bouquets. I did it reluctantly but always added something of my own, reflecting my inner world. I was fascinated by unexplainable things from childhood. I read countless books about mysticism, the cosmos, and everything mysterious.

How did your journey to England begin, and what were your first impressions?

I came to England because of my then-boyfriend, now husband. He simply suggested trying it out, as his relatives already lived in London. Initially, we planned to stay for just three months, but now I’ve been here for over 20 years. We’re married and have two children.

At the time, I was doing well in Lithuania – I worked at a tattoo studio, one of the first of its kind in the country. It was a complete novelty in Lithuania. Honestly, I never planned to leave Lithuania. I couldn’t even imagine living elsewhere, but my husband convinced me. We arrived full of youthful enthusiasm and dreams. We thought money grew on trees abroad, and we’d quickly save up for a Lamborghini sports car. We were young and naive – such dreams seemed very realistic then. Reality, of course, was different.

Did you manage to earn enough for your dream car?

Not as quickly as we expected. After a year of hard work, we bought a car, but it was far from what we dreamed of. The first years were tough, but they helped us appreciate the true value of work and effort. After a year, we decided to get married and started saving for a wedding. Then came the kids, and we kept working to buy a home.

Life taught us that nothing comes easily – everything is earned through hard work. But those challenges only made our family stronger and more resilient.

How did you start your tattoo business in London?

When I had my children, it was very convenient to work from a studio set up at home. My husband, who owns a construction company, built a separate studio in our backyard. It was extremely practical – I didn’t need nannies, I could balance work with childcare and household chores, and I had enough clients. Most of them were regulars because tattoos are the kind of thing where one is never enough. Even those who say, “I’ll just get one,” often come back for more. A first tattoo is just the beginning – small tattoos often grow into full sleeves. For many people, it becomes a kind of addiction.

Why are tattoos so captivating? What’s so magical about them?

It’s hard to explain unless you have a tattoo yourself – you just wouldn’t understand. I sometimes get comments from those who disapprove of tattoos, saying that I’m “damaging people.” Everyone has their own opinion, but tattoos, as you say, have something magical about them. Especially when a tattoo holds personal meaning. For one person, it might symbolize an important event; for another, it can be a talisman or a form of protection. It can even make life a bit easier – boosting confidence and self-assurance. It’s a very personal thing.

Would you say tattoos have a psychological impact too?

Yes, absolutely. Tattoos can build confidence and help lighten emotional burdens. This is especially true for people who have gone through difficult times or feel let down. I have clients who, after enduring tough life phases, decide to gift themselves a tattoo – it becomes a step forward, a way to release inner weight. Over the past 20 years, I’ve heard countless stories. One of the most common situations involves grief after losing loved ones. Clients often choose tattoos that symbolize their lost loved ones, such as angels or other meaningful symbols. It helps them cope with their loss.

Let’s go back to when you were still drawing sketches and tried tattooing on human skin for the first time. What was that moment like?

My teacher, recognizing my potential, let me do my first tattoo on his left arm. I could immediately see how he corrected my work with his right hand. It was a fascinating but also nerve-wracking experience – working on human skin is completely different from drawing on paper. My hands were shaking, but my teacher’s support and patience helped me focus. He noticed that I had talent, and his encouragement motivated me. News of my new skill quickly spread among classmates and friends. Soon, volunteers were lining up at my door, eager to become my first “canvases.” That support allowed me to gain experience and improve quickly.

Nowadays, most beginners practice on synthetic skin, but back then, those options didn’t exist. Some people practiced on oranges or pigskin, but I had the privilege of practicing on actual people. I remember my first serious design was a dragon. It took me seven hours to complete! I still vividly remember that day – my hands were trembling, but my mentor patiently explained everything step by step. Now, I could do the same design in about an hour and a half – practice and experience make all the difference. Some designs today I feel like I could do with my eyes closed.

Are there any artists or sources from which you draw inspiration?

Nowadays, with tools like Pinterest, it’s easy to find endless ideas. I love analysing sculptures, especially when I’m working on realistic designs. Sometimes I study works from specific historical periods, trying to adapt their aesthetics to my tattoo art. Among artists, Salvador Dalí is my biggest inspiration – his surrealism perfectly reflects and inspires my creative style.

I also draw inspiration from my clients – each of them brings their own ideas and stories, which help me create something truly unique. Every tattoo becomes an opportunity to create, learn, and grow.

Your space features an impressive installation of tattoo machines. What do they symbolize, and how did you come up with the idea to include them here?

These are 24 tattoo machines that I’ve worked with over the past 20 years. Each one represents a stage in my professional journey. Whenever I bought a new machine, I never threw the old ones away – I felt they could be given new meaning.

That’s how the idea for the installation was born, and it became a significant part of the bar. These machines are very special to me; they symbolize my growth as a tattoo artist. With my husband’s help, we incorporated them into a concrete form and added some gears to create a more interesting design. The entire process was documented, and photos and videos can be seen on our Instagram page. This idea came to life through collaboration with my husband – he’s incredibly creative and has a great sense of design.

The theme of the moon dominates your space. Why is that?

The moon has always inspired me with its mystery, intuition, and magic. Every detail in our interior – from the floors that resemble the moon’s surface to the stunning moon installation on the second floor that beautifully glows at night – was designed to create a sense of connection to the moon.

We wanted this space to be not just functional but to reflect an artistic vision and a magical atmosphere. The surreal figure of a woman hanging above the stairs was created completely intuitively, without a preliminary sketch or plan. I only knew she had to be surreal. The final result took several months to complete.

Interestingly, one client, who analyses energies, saw the figure and said it reminded her of the Moon Goddess and that the goddess had chosen us. Her insight was incredibly inspiring. The figure has since become a symbol of our space, reflecting mystery, creativity, and energy.

Tattoo Bar, Royal Wharf, Unit 01, 5 Cunningham Avenue, Cape House, London E16 2TN

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