A UNIQUE exhibition showing the powerful and poignant stories behind Armed Forces tattoos is opening in Cardiff this week.
Titled Tribute Ink, the exhibition is run by the Royal British Legion and will be on display at Cardiff Castle’s Firing Line Museum from Friday, September 24 to Thursday, November 11 (Armistice Day).
The exhibition will show how the military community uses tattoos to commemorate comrades and loved ones who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country. It also explores how serving Armed Forces personnel use tattoos to make their service, achievements and sense of belonging to the Army, Navy and Royal Air Force.
Renowned photographer Charlie Clift was given access to military inspired locations to capture service personnel and veterans. Locations ranged from RAF aircraft hangars to the decks of Royal Navy vessels, British Army assault courses and barrack blocks.
Mr Clift said: “It was a huge privilege to be able to work so closely with the Armed Forces and veterans and hear their stories first-hand. The project has changed my perception of Remembrance completely – it doesn’t have to be done in silence on a sombre Sunday, people can remember in a million different ways. I hope my pictures can help honour those who serve and encourage others to remember in new ways.”
One of those displayed is Colour Sargeant Johnson Beharry with his tattoo of his Victoria Cross. He was awarded the honour - the first living recipient for 30 years - in 2005 after saving a number of comrades under fire in Iraq the previous year, despite having life-threatening brain injuries at the time.
Alongside the pictures are 3D models of some of the tattoos. One of these displayed is from Lance Corporal Josh Pickman. The 27-year-old is a Combat Medic Technician with 1st Battalion Irish Guards, based in Hounslow.
His tattoos honour his own ancestors who served in the First World War. LCpl Pickman said: “The tattoo of the Essex Regiment Cap Badge is my most important one as it’s a tribute to my family who served in the First and Second World Wars, but was primarily inspired by my great, great grandparents who both served in the regiment during the Second World War.
“Now I am part of the Royal Army Medical Corps I have the motto on my arm, ‘In arduis fidelis’ which means ‘faithful in adversity’ which marks how proud I am to serve in the British Army.”
MORE NEWS:
- Battle of Britain: Exhibition showcases Chepstow airbase
- Red Arrows flypast at Cardiff Battle of Britain exhibition
Anthony Metcalfe, area manager for the Royal British Legion in Wales, said: “After a successful run at the National Memorial Arboretum, we are now delighted to bring our exhibition to the capital of Wales so that more people can explore the ways in which comradeship, bravery and sacrifice are marked by tattooing within our Armed Forces community.
“We hope this exhibition will draw in people from across the city to come and learn about the comradeship, bravery and sacrifice which are marked by the tattoos of our Armed Forces community. We would urge everyone to come and see the inspiring modern stories of Remembrance living on the skin, and in the hearts, of our servicemen and women today.”
The exhibition launched in September 2019 in partnership with the National Memorial Arboretum and was supported by the Ministry of Defence. It was on display at the National Memorial Arboretum before touring the UK, including the National Army Museum in Chelsea.
Members of the public will have to pay regular fees to enter Cardiff Castle which can be found on their website, but entry to the Firing Line Museum to see the exhibit is free once inside the grounds.
Tribute Ink features four key themes; Rethinking Remembrance, Remembering the Fallen, A Badge of Belonging and Marking the Memories.
Visitors and members of the public are invited to upload their own images of their tattoos and share the stories behind them via the Legion website and social media using #tributeink.
The Legion provides life-long support to the Armed Forces community, like those featured in Tribute Ink, as well as veterans and family members, and is encouraging the general public to visit to find out more.
Open at the Firing Line Museum in Cardiff Castle from 24th September until 11th November 2021, the exhibition is free of charge once visitors have paid to enter the Castle.
Find out more about Tribute Ink at www.rbl.org.uk/tributeink.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here