Five decades tattooing and Dave Ross prepares to hang up his gun

Dave, who bought the tattoo shop of the same name, on Magdalen Street, Colchester, in 1973, has inked thousands from his famous chair.

But now, way past standard retirement age, he is ready to kick back and enjoy some time out.

Dave began tattooing aged 15 for no reason other than a fascination with the character of old-fashioned tattoo parlours.

It was by observation he learnt his artistry at a studio in London’s Piccadilly but after a stint teaching, Mr Ross returned to Colchester, where he bought two antique stores.

Failing to make any money, he sold up and bought tattoo guns instead.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Over the years, Mr Ross built an empire with shops in Amsterdam, Clacton and Ipswich.

They closed around 15 years ago, leaving just the Magdalen Street studio.

Now, a 'For Sale' sign hangs over the premises as Mr Ross prepares to break free from the responsibility of owning a business.

Tattooing has had a huge resurgence recognised now as an art form by younger generations especially.

But the popularity of tattoos has another side.

“I’m not interested in tattooing anymore. It’s not fun being rushed off your feet and having your phone ringing constantly,” said Dave, who has a number of tattoos himself.

“I must have around 100 text messages in my phone which I just won’t read.

“The old atmosphere of a tattoo shop was wonderful, they didn’t have a high opinion of themselves; they were just tattooists.

“I have a lot of respect for the young ones tattooing over their kitchen table trying to get themselves set up.

“The only people who look down on them are those already established when they shouldn’t because the craftsmanship is superb.

“It’s very difficult to get into the business. I was useful to people and would clean up and then eventually got on the guns.

“That’s how everyone else has learnt in this shop. You don’t teach people, you give them an opportunity to learn.”

One benefit of his trade, Mr Ross says, is he has been able to take it across the world.

As a global explorer, he has tattooed in countries including India, the US, Belgium, and Germany.

When back on home soil he dedicates a large amount of his spare time to painting.

Pin-up style portraits, sensual art, and more randomly, chickens, line the irregular studio walls.

Inside, the building stretches far back letting in expanses of light, which centres on a cosy back room with floral armchairs, canvases, and lots of frames.

At one time he would collaborate annually with Reeman Dansie for an exhibition with the proceeds going to St Helena Hospice.

As a natural artist, Mr Ross studied at art schools in both Colchester and Camberwell and he continues to sell pieces.

He is looking to do more of the same, as well as look after his 16 horses – a love retained in his family since they moved to Tiptree from Colchester at the start of the Second World War.

He said: “I’d like to tattoo just one or two days each week for the social aspect because it’s important. That’s what stops you packing up.

“There’s people I want to see abroad so I may live with my friend in Corfu for a time. My current partner accepts me for who I am – I’ll disappear for a bit and come back.

“Ideally I want to be gone by the winter. This is the only shop which has stuck.

“They usually go within three to four weeks but because of the property’s period features, you would have to be creative to know what to do with. It scares people.

“I get a real buzz from renovating properties and have restored more than 20 now in the last two decades like old council-owned houses, but not everyone has the imagination.”

It is likely Mr Ross is the oldest active tattooist in Colchester and his shop is rumoured to be the oldest established in the country, but his response was as modest as the man.

He added: “I don’t care about that.

“Tattooing is great fun but when you get up in the morning, say hello and goodbye to everyone at home, check the horses, walk the dogs, talk to other dog owners and head back to the yard, suddenly you then realise you’re meant to be here at the shop – the day just flies by.

“And the world is a very interesting place, so why should I be cooped up in here any longer?”

To look at Dave Ross’s work, visit facebook.com/Dave-Ross-Tattoo-318433998248651.