Young tattoo artist realises dream as plans for new Bath studio approved
'I'm chuffed that it's in Bath as this is where I live and I love the city'
Tattoo artist Jonathan Rawlingson at work (Image: Jonathan Rawlingson)
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A Bath tattoo artist's dream of having a studio of his own has come true after his planning application was approved.
Jonathan Rawlingson successfully applied to open a tattoo studio at 76A Lower Bristol Road - where KK Bed and Furniture Centre sat until May.
After Philmark Estates Ltd successfully applied to reconfigure the retail space to encourage a variety of businesses to lease it, Mr Rawlingson sought to join this new space.
Now that this has been given the green light, the 31-year-old says he will open 'Have Faith Tattoo' on December 3 and he cannot wait to get started.
Where KK Bed and Furniture Centre used to be (Image: Bath Live)
"I am so happy and really excited about finishing the build, opening and inviting people to come over and see," he said.
"I'll be open on 3rd December and there will be a party a couple of weeks later.
"I've been tattooing for nine years and it's always been my goal to open a shop of my own.
"I'm chuffed that it's in Bath as this is where I live and I love the city.
"The unit I have on Lower Bristol Road is perfect for me and I am so grateful to Tim at Carter Jonas for helping me to find it."
The old KK bed and furniture centre in Bath (Image: Google)
He currently works at Northgate Tattoo in Northgate Street.
On Mr Rawlingson's application form, he laid out his plans and why it would suit Bath.
He wrote: "There will be no structural changes to the building.
"Previously a well-known bed shop outside of the town centre, the large premises were sold, separated into smaller units and renovated.
"The desire of the landlords is to create a row of independent shops which compliment each other and add to the vitality of the local area.
"With granted permission, the smaller of these premises number 76, would be turned into a high end, highly professional tattoo studio.
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"I would like to do so respectfully, being mindful to compliment the historic city of Bath of which I am a resident.
"For the last 10 years, I have been practicing as a tattoo artist in the town centre of Bath.
"The studios I have worked from have always had excellent reputations and a positive effect on surrounding communities.
"As a proud resident of Bath, I am very aware of Bath's unique Historic heritage.
"With that, I am aware and appreciate there are certain guidelines to follow. I have completed the pre-application process to discuss how best to open.
"The advice I received was very helpful, and as a result, I have included as much information as possible about shop layout and how it will appear from the street.
"The intention is to make use of a small vacant unit outside the town centre of Bath.
"To maintain and build off an already established international customer base at the same time contributing to the vitality, footfall, and diversity of a newly emerging retail area.
"There would be no structural changes to the interior or exterior the building, and minimal signage to be hopefully approved."
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