Aces Tattoo Studio and art gallery close doors at 42 Cartergate, Newark

A tattoo shop and art gallery have closed doors in Newark town centre after opening just over a year ago.

Chris De-Courcey, the owner of Aces Tatoo Studio and the art gallery above it at 42 Cartergate, has made the decision to stop trading.

The tattoo studio opened its doors in October 2023 and in August this year, the artist decided to open an art gallery in the room above the studio to showcase talented creatives from across the area.

He said: “It's difficult to run a retail-type business in this climate, people are always moaning about the state of our high streets, but don't spend the money or time there to keep them alive.

“I've had an amazing year in the shop, met some incredible people and made new friends, it was a lovely experience I feel privileged to have had.“

Aces Tattoo Studio opened following Chris’s 15 years of experience of tattooing, however, it was more of an investment in a hobby as Chris already owned CDC Traffic Management Design Limited.

The shop was described as being a family business as the name comes from each member of the family. A for his son Arthur, C for Chris, E for his daughter Evelyn and S for his wife Sue.

This year, the art gallery was created to provide a community-based space for local artists and photographers to show their art, make sales and find support for their work without the high prices seen in most commercial galleries.

Chris added: “I am very sad to have to close, no one came in the entire time we were open and after the opening night, there was no interest at all.

“I will miss the fantastic people of Newark who came into the studio, even if it was just for a coffee and a chat, it was a very relaxed chilled atmosphere and everyone always felt at ease there.

“It had a homely feel that customers loved.”

Chris will be at the premises for the next few days to clear the space and is inviting friends and customers to pop-in and say hello.