The History Of TTSG

The Tattoo Shop opened in March 2011, when it quickly became apparent there was a high demand for Artooism (real art on people). Over the last 10 years, I first opened The House of Colour and started Mad Tattoos with friends, concentrating on the mobile tattoo studio. Area 51 came next, and it was all located in Grantham town centre. After a frustrating period where I tried to demonstrate the need for real art tattooists, I opened The Tattoo Shop to accommodate the changing demands and high levels of skill required by the contemporary tattoo client.

Once I completed my HND in Ceramics as a mature student, I taught Art at Boston College for two years. I returned to tattooing to bring my art to the masses without them even really knowing it was happening. As my skills developed, I knew I could create tattoos using many different techniques, which meant I would not be 'type-cast' into just one genre. My preferred designs concentrate on portraits, photo-realism, and fine art.

The Tattoo Shop has spawned what can only be described as a new art movement. 'Artooism' is a dedication to getting real art to a predominately 'traditional' tattoo world and for the loves of fine art to recognise the skills modern tattooists are now required to have. These skills are not dissimilar to the ones invariably found in the traditional painter or sculptor. Artooism allows expression in whatever form an idea might take, whether it is through visual art, music or any aspect of creativity.

As well as myself (Paddy), there are 3 other self-employed tattoo artists (Louis, Ella and Bianca) based at The Tattoo Shop, which means the studio is open 7 days a week, from 11 am till late.

I also have collated artwork, which is for sale, and painted portraits and murals on request.

Art is the wine of life...Life is nothing without wine!

Our Team

Studio Owner- Darren 'Paddy' Paddison

Studio Manager - Louis 'Wolfie' Maier

Tattoo Artists- Darren 'Paddy' Paddison, Louis 'Wolfie' Maier,  Ella 'Buggy' Charlton and Bianca Franklin

Studio Assistant- Heather Paddison

Information 

• Custom and bespoke tattoos.
• Walk-in appointments are accepted if an artist is available.
• To book an appointment, please send us your tattoo ideas via email or social media, and the most suitable Tattoo Artist will contact you.
• Parking is available close to the studio. 
• There are great transport links, as the studio is based very close to Grantham bus and train stations. 
• Unfortunately, piercings are not available at The Tattoo Shop Grantham.