There is no age to get a tattoo and Isobel Varley, 69, is the name to prove this fact as a retiree. In 2000, Mrs. Varley was recognized by the Guinness World Records as “The World’s Most Tattooed Senior Woman” and still she holds this title. She lives in Stevenage, a small town north of London, where she grew up but travels to tattoo conventions around the world. She is a simple homemaker like any of you but her tattoos have made her stand apart from the mob.
Know more about this great lady in the following interview:
Disha Singh: At the age of 49 you got your first stroke, wasn’t it too late?
Isobel Varley: No, one can start at any age but starting to cover the body fully at too early an age can be a bad idea as it is probable that one’s taste will change as the years go by.
Disha: Some people call you ‘crazy’ what do you have to say to them.
Isobel: It’s my body and I believe that I can do what I like with it and it really does not bother me what people think. However, I do not attempt to force my views on tattooing on others as tattoos are a personal choice.
Disha: Who is Isobel apart from being ‘The World’s Most Tattooed Senior Woman.’
Isobel: I am an ordinary housewife who does all the things that housewives do.
Disha: Tattooing is a growing fad among the new generation, what tips do you have for them.
Isobel: It is important that any person considering having a tattoo has given it lots of thought as to whether it is right for them. Also, if a person is having several, it is not a good to idea to have just small ones, as the area finishes up just an untidy mess.
Disha: On which part of your skin would you never get a tattoo? Have you ever faced any allergy en route of tattoos?
Isobel: I doubt whether I will have anything, significant added to my face as it may repulse some people. I have been fortunate in not having an allergy problem from tattooing ever.
Disha: Of all the tattoos cast on your body, which one do you cherish the most? Why and what does it symbolize.
Isobel: The tattoo that I cherish the most is the group of tigers on my stomach as I am very fond of wild animals.
Disha: Who is your favorite tattoo artist and why. Which tattoo artist has inked you the most?
Isobel: In general, I have only got work from tattooist whose work I respect and I would not like to single out any particular artist. I think Brent from Dunstable has done the most work on me and I thank him for encouraging me to go for large work.
Disha: How did you approach a new tattoo? Were these tattoos your own suggestions or you just walked-up without a thought and let your artist do whatever he/she wanted to.
Isobel: In deciding on what tattoo work I had next, I would give the artist an idea of what I wanted and then leave it to him to select the design.
Disha: Tattoos are quite expensive can you tell us how much have you spent till date.
Isobel: I have spent approximately £20,000 ($41,144.25).
Disha: Finally, any tattoo regrets?
Isobel: I have no regrets about being tattooed or any tattoo chosen.
Disha: To conclude, I would like to know your outlook about Tattooblog.
Isobel: Tattooblog is well presented and very interesting.
Thanks alot Isobel!