One of Teesside's best-known tattoo studios has officially opened the doors to its new home, giving customers a first look at the next chapter in its 15-year journey.
Skins & Needles soft-launched its new studio at Gibson House in Middlesbrough on Tuesday, August 4.
The move marks the end of an era for the business, which has been based on Linthorpe Road since 2011.
It grew from a small local studio into one of the region's most recognisable names in tattooing and body art.
The old studio on Linthorpe Road.
(Image: GOOGLE MAPS)
In a social media update announcing the opening, the team said: "After a whirlwind few days, we're so excited to officially welcome you to our brand-new studio at Gibson House.
"Yesterday we successfully passed our council licensing, and with a very quick turnaround, we're officially ready to open our doors.
"We couldn't be more excited to start this new chapter and share our beautiful new space with you all."
The soft launch follows weeks of teasers from the business, including sneak-preview photographs offering glimpses inside the historic building that now houses the studio.
The relocation was first announced earlier this summer, with owners saying the business had outgrown its Linthorpe Road home.
Since launching in 2011, Skins & Needles has expanded to open three additional studios across Durham, Ingleby and York.
The growing popularity and reputation of the business meant its Teesside base also needed a new space to grow.
On social media, the team said the move was about taking "the next step in our journey" as the company continues to expand.
Ahead of leaving Linthorpe Road, staff reflected on the thousands of tattoos and piercings carried out there, as well as the friendships, celebrations and memories made over the past 15 years.
Customers and locals shared their favourite memories before the studio said a final goodbye to the building.
One said: "I kind of had a first date in here. I met up with a friend to take her for a freedom tattoo after being in a bad relationship.
"Sat with her all through it and been married 11 years this month. We've both had a few more done in there since - happy times."
Another commented: "I remember getting one of my first tattoos when you were in the smaller shop further up, and it’s brilliant to see you have stood the test of the changing times in Middlesbrough town."
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The move has also attracted attention because of an AI-created film documenting the firm's history and future plans.
But Skins & Needles maintain that the studio and tattooing would always remain rooted in "human creativity, individuality and incredible artistic skill".
The business said the film used real photographs and footage from its history to tell the story of its growth in Middlesbrough.
Now, with the soft launch complete, customers can finally step inside Gibson House and see the studio's new surroundings for themselves.