Tribute Ink for The Royal British Legion

For the sailors, soldiers and airmen who are regularly asked to sacrifice for their country, Remembrance is part of their culture. And tattoos are a significant and permanent act of Remembrance with a deep history in the British Armed Forces. Inked onto the skin, they commemorate friends who have served, illustrate personal sacrifices and mark the lasting bonds formed between the men and women who live, train and fight together. I created Tribute Ink with the Royal British Legion and The National Memorial Arboretum, travelling around the UK documenting tattoos in serving members and veterans. I discovered personal stories of sacrifice, bravery and comradeship, and I was touched, moved and amazed. It was an honour telling these people’s stories with my photographs. During the first 5 months of its national tour, the Tribute Ink exhibition has delivered unprecedented levels of footfall and engagement with over 76,000 visitors to the exhibition. The story of its media coverage is no different; with over 40 million opportunities to see the photographs online and in print. The images have been featured in publications including Marie Clarie, GQ, The Times, The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Sun, and The Mirror. Participants have been invited onto the sofa of ITV News, Sky News and Channel 5 news, as well as appearing on local radio stations and in the Armed Forces media. Also hundreds of personnel and veterans have been inspired to share their own tattoo stories with the Legion. The project has shifted the nation’s perceptions of remembrance.