Jack Vettriano
Tattooed by the Family Business
Portraits by Fredi Marcarini
Contributions from Jack Vettriano
£30
Published by Pavilion Books, 2010
ISBN 1862058830
Hardback, Size 295x 255, Pages 208
Published on 6th September 2010
This is a tattoo book like no other. Filled with jaw dropping portrait photography by Fredi Marcarini and reportage that makes you practically smell the ink by Chris Terry, this beautifully designed book focuses on the work of Mo Coppoletta and The Family Business based in London’s Exmouth Market.
Jack Vettriano is a client of Mo Coppoletta’s and the book features a sequence of photographs of Jack visiting the parlour, having a tattoo created by Mo and a final portrait shot of Jack with his new tattoo by Fredi Marcarini.
Jack Vettriano on the art of the tattoo:
“I’ve always been attracted to the retro appeal of tattoos. To me there’s something so romantic about the commitment a person makes in having the name of a loved one, a place or even an idea inscribed, forever, on their bodies. We literally where our hearts on our sleeves.
A tattoo is a poetic and artistic creation and a truly great tattoo can only be created by a true artist. It was a great privilege for me to have mine created by Mo, who is first of all an artist and then a master tattooist.
Wander into The Family Business and you have entered an artist’s studio; the walls adorned with drawings and paintings; memorabilia and found objects scattered around; the music playing only partially masking the incessant buzzing of the tattoo machines, a soundtrack that just adds to the experience. It’s a melting pot of creativity in there; sights, sounds and even smells all around you, stimulating all your senses but the moment you surrender to your artist, the experience becomes oddly private, calm and intimate between just the two of you. Choose your artist with care.
I think it was Jack London who once said, “Show me a man with a tattoo and I’ll show you a man with an interesting past.” and I love the idea that a tattoo can be hint or a clue to a story or the stories of a person’s life.”
Welcoming you into the Family, Mo invites you to step into his world whether you’re a first timer, an old timer or as he says, a serious collector. The prospect of tattoo feels less terrifying when surrounded by Mo’s artworks, religious iconography and David, the gel quiffed manager talking you through each of the look books. Accountants, nurses, musicians, artists and celebrities all flock to The Family Business and everyone is treated the same. You wait your turn like everyone else.
Tattooed… is as much an inspirational design source as a peek into the private world of the tattoo parlour, its artists and clients reflecting the status of the tattoo as a truly twenty first century art form.
With tattoo artworks and endless photographs of clients (including Maxim, Paloma Faith and Jack Vettriano) and the artists, Tattooed is a true reflection on life at The Family Business.
“If you want to succeed in tattooing, you need to breathe, eat, drink and smell tattooing.” Mo Coppoletta.
Mo Coppoletta is one of the world’s most respected tattoo artists. He established The Family Business Tattoo shop in 2003 in the heart of London with the aim of creating a new setting for tattoo enthusiasts, a shop with a different approach and a unique environment. The shop has built a strong following and is now internationally renowned for its high standards of creativity and talented artists.
All general enquiries regarding original paintings by Jack Vettriano should be directed to Jack Vettriano Publishing in Edinburgh via email info@jackvettriano.com or by telephone on +44 (0)131 215 1025.