Mandy Brignall: Under the Skin

 

Once seen, never forgotten. Mandy Brignall is the lady with the jet black 50’s bouffant and an obvious passion for tattoos. Originally from Cottingham, Mandy has lived in Beverley for seven years and moved here because she absolutely loves everything about the town – including her close circle of friends and the community of accepting people that she surrounds herself with.

On average she spends half an hour perfecting her style before leaving the house. “Even if I am just sat at home, I still feel more comfortable with my hair and make up done and I definitely wouldn’t leave the house without it.” She is always experimenting with new hairstyles taking her influence from classic films from the 1950’s. Her influences include Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Page, Esther Williams and Betty Boop. She is also a great admirer of Dita Von Teese’s elegant style. “Burlesque culture is something I would love to get involved in, it’s the classic beauty of it all and the elegance, I love it.”

Mandy’s style has evolved from the 40’s & 50’s, the birth of rock and roll and the accompanying fashions of rockabilly style. As the lone member of Beverley’s rockabilly subculture, Mandy has taken to the internet where she has joined an introductions site to meet like-minded people. “If I were to live anywhere else it would be Camden in London where there is prominent rockabilly scene and a wide acceptance of individuality. It consists of a small community of people who are completely free to express themselves without judgement.”

At age 18, Mandy got her first tattoo – a bunch of cherries which was later removed via skin graft after her partner at the time disapproved.  Fifteen years later with a stronger sense of independence Mandy gave tattoos another go, starting with a bracelet of roses and black twine around her right wrist. This was shortly followed by Betty Boop on her left forearm. Mandy continued to decorate her body with a variety of traditional 50’s pin-up girls and became friends with local tattoo artists and the staff of Just Gentlemen, where Beverley Ink is situated, and a popular figure on the tattoo scene.   Collectively Mandy’s skin is emblazoned with thousands of pounds worth of tattoo art.

The biggest tattoo is on Mandy’s back and was completed in around 12 hourly sessions. “This was a competition piece for my friend and tattoo artist Nettie.  I would say my tattoos are an addiction.  It doesn’t hurt anymore, it used to but now all I feel is a little scratch. I am running out of space now,” she laughs, “the last one I had was a pin-up’s head in my armpit.”

It takes a confident person to walk around with tattoos on their face but this did not come easy for Mandy. “Due to personal issues, I go to counselling sessions which have increased my confidence to the point that I now put myself before the opinions of others.” Mandy’s passion for tattoos is obvious in her enthusiasm for the subject. She really comes alive when discussing her art. “I wanted my face tattooing because I enjoy having them done and it is something I really wanted and something I felt I had to do for myself.”

Initially, Mandy had four stars tattooed above her right eyebrow, “I did get people staring when I had them done but I came to expect it. It became easier for me to have further facial tattoos done after the initial reaction.” Now Mandy’s face is decorated tastefully with more stars and musical notes that fit with her rockabilly style and suit her heavy eyelashes and letterbox-red lips. Mandy is unable to work due to osteoporosis but spends her time in Just Gentleman which incorporates the tattoo studio, modelling for the artists. This benefits Mandy with free tattoos and helps to promote the studio. “I am a walking advert for Beverley Ink.” She says.

Although seemingly confident in her style and attitude there are insecurities beyond Mandy’s confident exterior. “I have had to deal with disapproval from family members and people on the street of all ages.” Mandy is the self proclaimed “FOB” (Freak of Beverley) but she seems to have embraced this title as a defence mechanism, and is comfortable referring to herself in this way when she talks about the small minded minority that hurl abuse at her. “I have had to develop a thick skin as I often get people shouting at me in the street – strangers, gangs of kids and older people shouting ‘freak’ and showing their disgust at my image. I am mostly shocked about the teenagers as I would have hoped that they’d have been taught to have more respect.”

However, the attention Mandy receives isn’t always negative. “Children show a genuine interest, they don’t judge me, they’re just inquisitive. I’ve had some parents come up to me and ask if I would mind showing my tattoos to their kids and I love that. Children are non-judgemental they just tell it how it is.  Sometimes I’ll hear them saying, ‘Look at that funny lady’, but there is no malice, unlike what I get from some people my own age which really surprises me.”

“The reaction I get in Beverley is very different to the reaction I would receive in Hull or any other city. People seem to think they have the right to pass comment here and when I hear them muttering about me I find it rude and disrespectful.  The tattoos are for my own benefit but I will gladly talk to anyone who is interested in them. There have been occasions where I have thought I could tone it down, but why should I? I am not hurting anyone – this is me!’

“I would describe myself as polite, friendly, easygoing and approachable but because some people can’t see past the tattoos they just assume the opposite.” Although a small minded minority of locals see her as unapproachable Mandy is incredibly popular at tattoo conventions. “Under normal circumstances, I don’t like having my photograph taken but people at tattoo fairs are intrigued and often ask me to pose for photographs. Because of the extent of my tattoos I am stopped every five minutes at the conventions by someone different wanting to talk to me.  It is just so nice that people will approach me rather than whisper behind my back or look down their noses at me.”

Hazel Moody, owner of Just Gentlemen and good friend of Mandy says “People are obviously going to judge Mandy on her appearance because she is so unique but if they took the time to get to know her they would see that she is the loveliest person they could meet. She is patient, never lets life get her down, incredibly thoughtful, has a heart of gold and would go out of her way for anyone.” Mandy jokingly responded, “I should have gullible tattooed on my forehead”.

In a market town of mostly generic style, it is refreshing to see a symbol of brazen independence and individuality striding through the streets.  She is welcoming and pleasant and one of the most interesting characters you could wish to meet.  Beyond the tattooed exterior is a loving mother of two sons with strong and healthy values, a gentle demeanour and a heart of gold. If you choose to keep your distance, then it’s your loss and if you choose to shout abuse, you are not hurting Mandy, you are merely highlighting your own need for a decent education in dignity, respect and personal values.

By Leigh Clark, Divine Clark PR

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