The 12th International London Tattoo Convention has got underway at Tobacco Dock in London on Friday (September 23). The three day body art festival features more than 400 of the world's top tattoo artists.
The weekend event has grown in popularity over the past decade and organisers are expecting crowds of over 20,000 people.
Organiser Marcus Berriman said that the stigma attached to tattoo's is declining.
"There is a re-adjustment coming on and it's just been a long time coming," Berriman told Reuters.
His comments echo those of the conciliation service Acas who have said negative attitudes about visible tattoos are outdated. It has warned that employers might be missing out on best staff for jobs because they dismissing candidates with tattoos.
Berriman added that the UK has a significant role in the history of the tattoo industry saying, "It first came back with Captain Cook from the Polynesian islands. Then the British Empire brought them back here."
As well as inked body art taking centre stage, there will be performances from the likes of firebreathing dance troupe The Fuel Girls and tattoo competitions.
The International Tattoo Convention runs until Sunday (September 25).
