This Valentine’s Day, visitors to the Ulster Museum will have the chance to leave with more than just memories—some adventurous attendees will walk away with tattoos inspired by the museum’s vast collection of art and artifacts. As part of the Late Late Love Lab, an adults-only event organized by the NI Science Festival and Ulster Museum, a pop-up tattoo parlour will open its doors for a unique experience blending art, science, and romance.
The event invites guests to become living canvases, transforming pieces from the museum’s renowned collection into tattoo designs. The collection, which includes historical and contemporary works of national and international significance, will serve as inspiration for fresh ink created by the skilled team from Belfast’s Skullduggery Tatu.
Helen McDonnell, Ireland’s first female tattoo artist, and her team recently visited the museum for a scouting mission, searching for objects and artworks that could be reimagined into tattoo designs. McDonnell shared her excitement about the project: “We want to create designs that really reflect the richness of the collections. It’s not just about reproducing them, but about incorporating these artifacts into new works of art. It’s exciting to see the collections take on a new form.”
For those who prefer a less permanent tribute, Skullduggery Tatu will also offer a selection of temporary tattoos throughout the evening.
This after-hours event, exclusively for those aged 18 and over, promises a night of exploration beyond tattoos. Guests can delve into the science of love, lust, and human connection with a variety of activities, talks, food stalls, and bars set throughout the museum’s galleries. The Scent of Attraction workshop, hosted by Lush Cosmetics, will explore the role of scent in attraction, while artist Leo Boyd will offer a unique screen-printing experience to personalize your t-shirt.
The night will also feature a range of thought-provoking talks, including Dr. Kathryn Harkup’s exploration of the deadly allure of beauty, Jules Howard and Dr. Erica McAlister’s discussion on the scandalous sex lives of insects, and Dr. Mike Simms’ investigation into the history and symbolism of gemstones in love.
Whether you’re a tattoo enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and insightful evening, the Late Late Love Lab at Ulster Museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience for those willing to explore art, science, and romance in unexpected ways.
Related topics: