While many of us were toasting the Coronation in front of our tellies, Anna Townsend was hard at work, helping create lasting souvenirs royal fans could cherish forever.
The 22-year-old tattoo artist, who recently completed a diploma in art history, first thought of creating some designs themed around the Coronation a few weeks ago.
Artistic Anna opted for delicate, tasteful designs that capture the history and heritage of the Royal Family in a "subtle and elegant" way, drawing inspiration from clothes, jewellery, and palace décor.
Her regal tattoos range from a fine line garland that looks very much like the headpiece worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, to a sweet Paddington Bear tat.
Self-employed Anna, who runs her business Quill & Ink Tattoo all by herself from a beauty salon in Stapleford Tawney near Romford, Essex, loves dreaming up "imaginative tattoo designs" that fit with her personal fine line style.
Anna told the Mirror: "I wanted to go for subtle and elegant pieces that had that little nod to royalty. Both floral garland tattoo and the subtle tiara tattoo hint at the stunning patterns you often see when looking at the clothes and jewellery worn by the royal family, past and present.
"When watching The Coronation yesterday, Princesses Catherine and Charlotte's beautiful floral headpieces reminded me of these two tattoos along with some of the other options on my Coronation designs."
She continued: "The designs were really fun to create and they are linked to a part of history. If you've ever been inside a castle or Buckingham Palace and seen the decoration, the furniture, and felt the overall atmosphere, it captures a real sense of regality.
"I wanted to recreate this feeling in the form of a dainty, fine line tattoo that captivates that same elegance. Along with the Winnie the Pooh and Paddington designs which are, of course, classic British icons.
After starting up her business eight months ago, Anna was keen to "think of unique ways to give clients ideas that are personal to them". She knew the Coronation would be a personal as well as a historic moment for her clients, and her thoughtful designs reflect this.
For client Louise Armitage, 50, the Coronation was also a day to remember her late parents, who both had great love and respect for the Royal Family.
Louise, who opted for a pretty tiara tat, told the Mirror: "My mum and dad were royalists and I had the tattoo because of the Coronation but also as a tribute to my mum and dad.
"They both had great respect for Queen Elizabeth II and looked forward to seeing what the future held for the monarchy. They sadly passed away within the last few years but would have loved to see King Charles III's Coronation.
"I will be having two robins on either side of my tiara tattoo in memory of my parents."
Anna was well aware of the significance such designs hold for many and loved hearing such personal stories from her clients.
She continued: "Whilst tattooing these Coronation designs, it was wonderful to chat to my clients about what the Coronation means to them and how their parents and grandparents remember Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953."
It's certainly been a weekend to remember, and for a number of Anna's clients, they'll always have a piece of truly royal art to carry with them to remind them of this historic moment.
Do you have a Coronation tattoo-related story to share? Email us at julia.banim@reachplc.com
