You'd Be Shocked To See How Many Tattoos Lay Hidden Beneath These People's Clothes
In his new series "Covered," London-based photographer Alan Powdrill captures pictures of working class London citizens with tattoos, both with their clothes on and with them off, revealing their nearly chin to toe body art.
While some didn't get their first until their 40s or 50s, their tattoos tell unique stories. And for many, their ink is as much an integral part of their identity as anything else.
“I was 51 when I started and my father was already dead and my mum didn’t say anything as she was in the early stages of dementia.”
“I don’t feel my opinion will change on my tattoos. I doubt I’ll have any regrets regardless of my age."
“I started in 1963 when I was 14 and I don’t think I’ll ever stop.”
“My tattoos are part of who I am and I’ll always love my bodysuit now and when I’m 80. The love I get for what I look like is what it’s all about.”
“Me mum wasn’t happy at all about the swallow on my hand so I said ‘Look mum it’s not like I’m on the street doing heroin.”
“I was 16 and got a small lizard on my hip. My parents said ‘how would I ever get a job!'”
“My Kiss tattoos are my favourites. The pain was incredible but it feels good to show my ultimate dedication to the band.”
“They have given me confidence in life since my Crohn’s illness. I will love them in the future like I do now.”
“Can’t say what age I’ll stop. While there’s still space to fill, It’ll get filled. I don’t think my attitude will ever change.”
“My first tattoo was at 13 and was a secret for 10 years. It’s a part of me and I’m never going to get old.”
“I’m loving how they change as my body gets older and the creases and wrinkles change how they look. When I’ve got no space below my neck I’ll stop”
“I love my tattoos, it’s a way of life and part of me. I’ll carry on getting them for as long as I can.”