Middlesbrough’s Iron Hills studio winning industry awards

Iron Hills Tattoo Co, based in Middlesbrough and run by Paul Watson, Danyell, Geoff Wharton, and Abi Flanagan, has quickly built a reputation for “quality and creativity”.

In October, Mr Watson’s work was recognised at the Ink on the Tees convention, and just six weeks ago, artist Chloe Gilkes-Bullock won three awards at the Big North Tattoo Show in Newcastle.

The studio’s success is already turning into momentum in a highly competitive industry.

Mr Wharton said: “Unlike all of us, there aren’t a massive amount of artists in the area who have more than a decade of technical experience.”

The studio’s name is inspired by both Teesside’s steel heritage and a fictional setting from The Lord of the Rings.

Its anvil logo is a tribute to the region’s industrial past and the wedding of Mr Watson and Danyell at Gretna Green. Both have matching anvil tattoos on their hands.

Mr Watson, 43, is no stranger to being tattooed himself.

He said: “I’ve got my back and stomach left really, and then just gaps. I don’t think I’d ever be done.

“Even if I was totally full, I’d just start getting ones over the top of the ones I’ve already got.”

Despite his passion, even he admits the process isn’t exactly comfortable.

He said: “I don’t think anybody enjoys getting tattooed and us artists are the worst.”

The studio has worked with a wide range of clients, including some unexpected fans.

Mr Watson’s oldest customer was a woman in her 90s who first had a Game of Thrones tattoo and then came back for more.

He said: “There was also a man in his 80s who got one on his leg and ended up getting a full leg sleeve.”

Tattoos, once mainly worn by sailors and aristocrats, are now seen on nearly a third of UK adults.

As the industry grows, so does the competition.

With more than 5,500 studios in England, Iron Hills has focused on standing out.

The studio has a wheelchair ramp and a disability toilet, welcomes neuro-divergent clients, and its artists are available seven days a week.

Mr Watson believes changing attitudes have helped propel the industry.

He said: “I think the industry’s changed and it’s more socially acceptable to be tattooed.

“It’s not so much of a rebellion now.”

Iron Hills Tattoo Co has already exceeded expectations.

Its location attracts plenty of passers-by, particularly students.

Danyell, the only member of the team not originally from Teesside, said: “We just really love being in Middlesbrough.

“We want some more small businesses around here to bring people in.

“The area’s dwindling in some places but coming up in others.”

The studio is one of several new businesses to open in and around the Dundas Shopping Centre.

Other recent arrivals include Bakeries Breadsticks and The Greek Spot, Teddy’s Boutique, Steel River Comics, Sarah’s Gifts, and the Hanger Shop.

Richard Wilson, a partner at Portland Dodds Brown, manages the centre and neighbouring shops.

He said: “These are challenging times for businesses, but we try to give them as much support as possible.

“It so good to see Iron Hills doing so well, not just with the awards but with the number of customers coming to the studio.

“Middlesbrough town centre has been badly affected by the closure of some big name shops, so it is so encouraging to see that a number of independent businesses have opened.

“I’m sure that’s the right path for Middlesbrough’s future.”