A free exhibition at Mansfield Museum until the end of March aims to show that the world of tattooing is more than skin deep.

Tattooing in the UK – Miners, Misconceptions and His Majesty delves into the artistry, cultural significance, and evolving perceptions of tattoos, highlighting their place in British society.

Local tattoo artist Sean Colgrave inspired the venue to stage the exhibition after he met members of staff at an out-of-hours event in the museum, Cocktails With The Collection.

The museum worked closely with Sean to shape the displays and source exhibits, some of which have been loaned by Liverpool Tattoo Museum.

The exhibition also features hundreds of images of local people taken by Ian Dearman, development officer for digital, after the museum set up a pop-up studio in the Four Seasons Shopping Centre, Mansfield, and invited members of the public to have their tattoos photographed.

Sean said: “We are excited to have the museum run this exhibition. Tattoos are more than just skin deep. They are history, art — and sometimes the best or worst conversation starter at family dinners!

“The exhibition explores tattoo history, debunks a few myths and gives body art a well deserved spotlight in the wider context of fine art.

“This exhibition shows that tattoos are no less artistic than the oils on canvas beside it. The art is simple, bold and timeless. It deserves to be framed and admired.

“The beauty of tattoos is they always tell a story. Maybe where you have come from or maybe where you are going. They celebrate individuality, culture, and life itself.

“Tattoos have long been part of British working class life. For miners, sailors, and soldiers, getting inked wasn’t about keeping up with trends and looking good on Instagram; it was about survival and identity, and culture.

“There are tattoos from all around the world at the exhibition, from islands in the South Pacific to the skin stitching techniques of the Inuit in Canada.

“Even UK royalty has been inked. Body art has been around for a very long time — you can find out just how long if you come along to the exhibition.

“And maybe, after you have seen it, you’ll want to join the worldwide tattoo community.”

Coun Stuart Richardson, portfolio holder for Regeneration and Growth, added: “The exhibition is part of our work with developing artists under our objectives as a National Portfolio Organisation.

“We really want to work with our local communities and offer new experiences to visitors.

“This is yet another really unusual and thought-provoking exhibition that we are very proud to present.”