Whether you’ve been dreaming of it for years or make a snap decision in the hot seat, a tattoo will stay with you for life. Have no regrets.
Click images to enlarge.
Shangri La Parlour is run solely by word of mouth. Founded by Lesley Chan, a tattoo child prodigy of sorts, who started inking at the scary age of five, the Kingsland Road parlour has developed quite a reputation. Trust is the key to the kingdom and out of the five chilled out tattooees taking their turn in the electric chair while we were there being nervous for them, four were regulars. And the first timer was so leisurely, he spent the needle time catching up on some reading. From idea to big black forever incarnation, i-D online watched the magic happen, then found out about the who and why.
(From top) Mattias Bjorklund
Is it true that one tattoo just isn’t enough? Yeah, I just have tattoos on my left arm and if there’s an empty spot I have to cover it. Did you design your own tattoo? I always let Liam make his own interpretation of what I’m thinking. How did you decide on the location? It’s the only area I have left on my left arm. Was this tattoo planned? Five minutes before I get inked, that’s when I decide what I want. How many tattoos do you have? 10.
Tiffany Alwis
How did you find out about the Shangri La Parlour? I walk past here everyday. Did you design your own tattoo? It’s a piece by a famous artist. How did you decide on the location? I like the forearm, I try to stay away from feminine tattoos. Was this tattoo planned? Kind of spur of the moment, once I get an idea I have to do it.
Thomas Silverman
Is it true that one tattoo just isn’t enough? For me yeah, I think one tattoo looks lonely, you need more to make a piece. Did you design your own tattoo? It’s an illustration page from an old history book. How did you decide on the location? I wanted something of that shape to fill the whole area on my arm. Was this tattoo planned? Yes, I’ve been thinking about it for a few months. How many tattoos do you have? 12, I think.
Carrie (leg tattoo)
How did you find out about the Shangri La Parlour? I saw Liam’s work on the Internet. Is it true that one tattoo just isn’t enough? Yeah not until you’re black. How did you decide on the location? Only remaining place left. How many tattoos do you have? More than 10.
Russell Penn
How did you find out about the Shangri La Parlour? Friend had a tattoo by Lesley and I liked it. Did you design your own tattoo? I gave Lesley ideas from a story and let her figure her own interpretation. How did you decide on the location? We started on my arm because Lesley is going to move onto my chest and ink a dragon from the book. Was this tattoo planned? Yes, you should always plan and let the artist be free. How many tattoos do you have? This is my first tattoo.
Liam Sparks, tattoo artist
What are the most important aspects of a solid tattoo? Good lines and a burning desire.
Lesley Chan, tattoo artist/ Shangri-La owner
What’s the craziest tattoo you’ve ever given somebody? Inner upper thigh. How long have you been tattooing for? Forever, since I was five. How long have you been here for? Forever. Shangri-La is run by word of mouth, no advertising.
Text: Sarah Raphael
Photography: Ekua King
