71GallerySynonymous with self-expression, body art has
become increasingly mainstream, offering a tangible
way to illustrate significant events in our lives. Dolphin-
encircled belly buttons – once the rage amongst teenagers
up and down the country – may well have been a catalyst for
the much-peddled phrase, ‘think before you ink’, but
contemporary pieces are now more likely to represent an
intimate portrait of identity than a misspent youth.
That’s certainly the case for decorated serving personnel
and veterans of the British armed forces, who are
reinterpreting what the act of remembrance means in
a compelling new exhibition touring the UK called ‘Tribute
Ink’. Produced by The Royal British Legion and the National
Memorial Arboretum, the exhibit explores the emotive
meaning behind tattoos, redefining them as indelible marks
of respect for lost comrades, and celebratory insignias to
commemorate friendships formed in the military.
‘The sacrifices made, big and small, are ones that come
to define you. That’s why, for centuries, soldiers, sailors
and airmen have been moved to tattoo themselves with
BETHDUNNING, 24
‘My dad was in the RAF when he was younger, but he left
after a short stint and always regretted it. It was his influence
and passion for the armed forces that inspired me to join
up, and now I feel like I’m reaching my potential,’ says Beth
Dunning, a Senior Aircraftman in the Royal Air Force. She
recently had a penguin inked on her thigh to remember her
tour of the Falklands last year. ‘I spent six months there and
the tour made me realise just how much I love my job. The
experience was life-changing, making me a better, stronger
person. When I mention the Falklands, people always ask
me about its penguins, so it felt like an unusual and fitting
emblem to remember my time there.’permanentmotifs commemorating service experience,’ says
Alexander Owen, the head of Armed Forces Engagement
at The Royal British Legion who spearheaded the project.
‘Tribute Ink aims to uncover some of the inspiring
modern stories of remembrance living on the skin – and in
the hearts – of our servicemen and women today. From the
most elaborate full-body coverage, to delicate tributes
for a fallen friend, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the
comradeship, bravery and sacrifice experienced in our
armed forces community.’
Drawing on her memories from 2011, Dani Cummings,
a Leading Hand in the Royal Navy, is one of five women
photographed for the series, and proudly displays an intricate
swallow and anchor illustration on her back. ‘I designed this
piece myself while serving in Afghanistan on my 21st birthday.
It’s a lasting reminder of a key moment in my life,’ she says.
The exhibition has redefined what remembrance means to
photographer Charlie Clift, who adds, ‘Tattoos have helped
the people I met to cope with their feelings of loss, and I hope
my series shows remembrance in a new and modern light.’