See one of Sunderland's first tattoos after lockdown as studio holds midnight appointment

A Sunderland tattoo studio reopened at midnight with a special appointment to mark the easing of lockdown restrictions.
By Sophie Brownson
Published 13th Jul 2020, 16:09 BST
Updated 13th Jul 2020, 16:10 BST
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Mel Blyth, owner of Elixir Tattoos on Frederick Street, reopened her studio at midnight on Monday, July 13, following months of closure during the the coronavirus pandemic.

As soon as the clock chimed the hour, Mel began work on a sleeve tattoo for client Kris Armstrong, which has been around 10 years in the making.

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The 52-year-old was inspired by hairdresser cousin Debra Anne Adamson, who reopened Sunderland salon, Cloud 9, at midnight on Super Saturday (July 4) for her first appointment.

Elixir Tattoo owner artist Mel Blyth reopened at midnight to complete work on client Kris Armstrong following lockdown.Elixir Tattoo owner artist Mel Blyth reopened at midnight to complete work on client Kris Armstrong following lockdown.
Elixir Tattoo owner artist Mel Blyth reopened at midnight to complete work on client Kris Armstrong following lockdown.

Mel, who has had the studio for 17 years, decided to follow suit and finally resume work on the tattoo that client Kris had been due to have completed just before lockdown measures were put in place in March.

Under Government guidelines, Mel was kitted out in PPE and had a plastic screen in place to provide additional protection, with the midnight inking session lasting around four hours.

Returning home in the early hours, Mel was able to catch up on sleep before going back to work again for afternoon bookings on the same day.

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Meet the Sunderland tattoo artist reopening at midnight to complete artwork 10 y...
Mel Blyth, owner of Elixir Tattoos on Frederick Street, with client Kris Armstrong during the midnight appointment, along with the finished result.Mel Blyth, owner of Elixir Tattoos on Frederick Street, with client Kris Armstrong during the midnight appointment, along with the finished result.
Mel Blyth, owner of Elixir Tattoos on Frederick Street, with client Kris Armstrong during the midnight appointment, along with the finished result.
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Mel said: “Kris is very happy with the results. There’s still more to do to complete the sleeve and he’s looking forward to getting it done so he can start on his leg.

"I ate lots of chocolate brownies and coffee before I came into work to stay awake.

“It was fun to do as a one-off but I won’t be making a habit of it!”

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Related topics:SunderlandPPE