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Private Tattoo Studio On The Edge Of The South Downs

The Retreat is a custom built tattoo studio on the edge of the South Downs overlooking fields, forests and hedgerows. Located in the BN15 area, it's the home of V (Victoria Boarer). She specialises in bespoke tradtional, neo-traditional, realism, dotwork, black-work, fine-line tattoos, soft black and grey, script cover-ups and colour work of all sizes.

As a solo private studio, The Retreat offers a personal and relaxing experience away from the noise and interruptions of a busy tattoo parlour. In this one-on-one setting, V can give her full attention to you and your tattoo needs and offers a unique and memorable experience that is tailored specifically for you.

Click on the link below for pricing, availability and the booking request form.

MAKE A BOOKING

Victoria Boarer

Hi, I'm V!

I started tattooing in 2009 after I was tattooed by Lynn Akura. She showed me that there was space in the tattoo industry for strong females!

After launching my first studio in Portslade with a business partner, my daughter Lace was born and I relocated to Worthing. Subsequently, my business partner took over the studio. It was then that I established Inkquisitive, which was my home for nearly ten years.

The owner of the building decided that once the lease was up he was going to convert the rear of the commercial unit into a flat. It was time for me to open a private solo studio; The Retreat.

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The Retreat is a private studio so you will not be able to come without an appointment.

A non-refundable deposit is required to make a booking and draw the tattoo. You can request design changes at any time throughout the drawing process, up to 48 hours before your appointment, to guarantee satisfaction.

You must give V a minimum of 48 hours notice to re-schedule if you cannot make the appointment. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your deposit and you may only move your appointment twice before a new deposit will need to be put down.

Hopefully, most of your questions have been answered around the website already but you can find more information by clicking the FAQ link below. If you still can't find the answer you're looking for - please swing me an email!

read the faq

 
...and if you're ready to get a tattoo:

make a booking

V is the BEST at taking a vague brief and turning it into a tattoo better than you imagined. My flamingo is proof! - Tom

I have been going to V for 8 years, she's taken all my ideas and turned them into beautiful works of art. I get compliments on my tattoos all the time and am looking forward to my next piece soon! - Jess

V put all my ideas together to create my beautiful tattoo. I can't wait to come back and add more. - Georgia

Numbing Cream Recomendations - If you feel you need it!

I can recommend two numbing creams 'Dr Numb' and 'Emla'. Both contain 5% lidocaine which will ensure an easier tattoo session. Previously, I was a distributer for Dr Numb but due to the increase in cost I am unable to continue to do so as I feel that Emla is much more reasonably priced. Click here to order a 30g tube of Emla from Chemist Direct.

How to Apply Numbing Cream

  • 2 hours before your appointment exfoliate and wash the area of skin you’re planning to have tattooed and let it dry.
  • First apply a small amount and rub in fully.
  • Secondly apply a thick layer and spread over the area – like icing on a cake.
  • Then wrap fully with cling film.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Try to keep the area covered with the cling film as if it moves out of place the cream may get removed by clothing.
  • Leave it covered until your tattooist is ready, they will remove the cling film and prepare the area to be tattooed.
  • Failure to leave the cream 2 full hours before your tattoo may result in reduced effectiveness.

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