AS attitudes change in society, tattoos have become not only more popular, but more accepted than in previous years, so much so that new army regulations regarding tattoos were introduced in 2014 to reflect these changing attitudes.

The newest exhibition at REME Museum in Lyneham, titled Military Ink, explores not only the different tattoos service personnel and veterans have, but the stories and the messages behind them, and how their experiences with the military might have influenced the designs and stories they chose to display on their bodies.

It is the brainchild of museum curator Jennifer Allison.

She said: “I have always liked tattoos and when I started at the museum in 2012 it just became very clear very quickly that the military like them as well, and there are so many out there.

“I found it really interesting and wondered if there were links between them and similarities and whether motivations of them in the military to get a tattoo are different to the normal reasons.

“Originally I wanted the exhibition to be about military-style tattoos. Remembrance is the big one.

“Yes, those exist, but just like for everyone else, there are so many different themes and messages behind the tattoos that aren’t military-specific, but influenced by their military careers.

“One lady’s tattoos are about family, because in the army, having to move around so much, she found it was a way to keep her family close to her.”

Those whose tattoos are on display at the exhibition explained their motives and reasons behind their body art. They have been left anonymous so they could talk openly and freely about them.

As part of the exhibition, there will also be a live tattooing session in September where someone will be having their military tattoo finished off, and visitors are welcome to watch.

Military Ink runs at the REME Museum, Prince Philip Barracks until December 1.

Anyone interested in being a part of the exhibition who is either ex-REME or currently serving is invited to email curator@rememuseum.org.uk.