A new tattoo shop has opened near Ipswich town centre – and it is the first venture the owner has undertaken on his own since becoming an artist.

Black Hart Tattoo has opened in St Nicholas Street in Ipswich, the first owner Ben Hart has started on his own.

Mr Hart had experience working in a tattoo studio in Stowmarket before moving to Lucky 13 Tattoo Studio in Ipswich for the last five years.

Ipswich Star: Ben Hart, owner of Black Hart TattooBen Hart, owner of Black Hart Tattoo (Image: Charlotte Bond)

He said: "I was walking down the street and I saw that this place was up for rent. I had a look around and fell in love with it.

"The whole street is lovely – everyone is really friendly and I just wanted to do something for myself.

"I had been thinking about it for a while, and I thought I had the funds to just go for it.

"I am really excited about it – a little bit terrifying, but exciting too."

Ipswich Star: Black Hart Tattoo is situated on St Nicholas Street in IpswichBlack Hart Tattoo is situated on St Nicholas Street in Ipswich (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mr Hart has said that he is an all-round artist, hoping to cater for most people that walk into his studio.

The new shop is kitted out with paintings from artists, as well as one from his inspiration, his grandad, who was an artist, which is in a stand-out wooden frame.

There is also a TV and a new kitchen and toilet.

Mr Hart added: "The idea is to have a nice, calm, safe space.

Ipswich Star: The picture on the wall his grandad painted. The picture on the wall his grandad painted. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"Most tattoo studios are quite classically dark spaces, so it is nice to have something lighter and more colourful."

In the future, Mr Hart hopes to bring another artist in to utilise more of the space and will look to have guest artists at his studio.

Ipswich Star: Inside the new studio, which has space for another artist.Inside the new studio, which has space for another artist. (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Mr Hart finished by saying: "A big thank you to Redwood Carpentry and LP Painting and Decorating, and my wife and family for helping get the studio ready.

"A big thank you to Paul and the team at Lucky 13 for the support."

Black Hart Tattoo is open every day other than Wednesday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm.

Ipswich Star: Ben Hart in his new studioBen Hart in his new studio (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Ipswich Star: Black Hart Tattoo will be open 10am-5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and SaturdayBlack Hart Tattoo will be open 10am-5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Image: Charlotte Bond)