Ben De Boef Tattoos

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Tweede Laurierdwarsstraat 1-3, Amsterdam

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Ben de Boef tattooing at Exit Festival

Tattoo Parlour Het Ruyterhuis goes Serbia again. This year Ben will be tattooing at Exit Festival, 10 - 14 July. Check out this article announcing the crew he will work with.
  

Noyz Narcos video 'Alfa Alfa' shot at the parlour

Italian MC Noyz Narcos shot his video for 'Alfa Alfa' in Amsterdam and came by the parlour to do a tattoo on Ben.

Portrait Ben de Boef for Ons Mokum series

Helemaalloos did a portrait of Ben de Boef for the Ons Mokum series.

For all those who didn't understand: Eric Blair

Eric Blair has been with us for half a year now. His career is a story worth telling.
Eric first got tattooed in 1984 at the age of eighteen. By the time he was twenty he was hooked and started getting a whole back piece and sleeves from his future tattoo master, Greg James. Since then Eric has travelled all over the world collecting pieces from some of the best artists, completing his body suit.
He started tattooing as an apprentice, with Robert Benedetti and Greg James, at Sunset Strip Tattoo in Hollywood, one of the oldest most reputable shops in Los Angeles.

After three months of tattooing, a guy named Lesane Parish Crooks came into the parlour and asked Eric to do a tattoo on him. Twenty four year old Eric Blair tattooed the letters Thug Life on his belly. Three years later the guy came back, he called himself a rap artist going by the name of Tupac Shakur. Eric later also tattooed Notorious on his forearm.
In the following years many celebrities came into the Sunset Strip to get tattooed. Eric's list of clients holds big names such as Angelina Jolie (lower back), Jack Osborne (unfinished back piece), Robbie Williams, and legendary hip hop artists such as Grandmaster Flash, Flava Flav, Melly Mel, Coolio and Vanilla Ice.
One of his most favorite tattoos was the letter K on Courtney Love, representing her love for Kurt Cobain, shortly before he died.

Eric has been tattooing at conventions in the US, Japan, Amsterdam and many other cities. After fourteen years of working at the Sunset Strip Tattoo he left to work at Mark Mahoney's Shamrock Social Club for two years. After that he decided to open his own tattoo parlour. Subculture Tattoo, in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, which opened up in October 2005.
It was recently sold to Greg James, and is now "Tattoos Deluxe".

Eric was born and raised in California. However he has great love for his adopted city, Amsterdam. He is inspired by Dutch artists such as Gerrit Dou and Johannes Vermeer. Major tattoo influences would be Greg James, Robert Benedetti, Dana Brunson and many Japanese masters.
Eric truly has a remarkable story, we are proud to be able to tell it. Since June 2012 he has been working at Tattoo parlour Het Ruyterhuis. For his recent work take a look at his gallery. Eric works at the parlour thursday till sunday.

Donker Collective hosts the first 'Het Kunstenaarsbal'

This weekend Donker Collective hosts the first 'Het Kunstenaarsbal' ever. This video was made with the intention to raise €3.250 euros to make it happen. Guess what, they did!
Over twenty painters, writers, actors and other artists will show their (live) art. Next to partners in crime Hotmamahot and big guys such as Peter Klashorst, Ben de Boef will also exposition. For more information, check the event.
 

Het Kunstenaarsbal 2013

5 & 6 april

Nachtlab Overhoeks

Overhoeksplein 1, Amsterdam

  

A Day with Ben de Boef

The guys from Subtiel create short documentarys, following their subjects for one day. 'A Day with Ben de Boef' is their latest video. See their website for more videos.

Koray Onder joined the team

The team has a new collegue, Koray Onder was born in Germany and raised in Istanbul. While travelling he worked in Turkey and Florida. With over six years of experience he specializes in portraits, cover ups and realistic tattooing.
Take a look at his gallery here. Come by the parlour and have a face-to-face talk about your plans. You can also send your email to korayonder@hetruyterhuis.com or call the parlour.

Jenever, hip hop & tattoos

I would like to thank first and foremost Malvin Wix and the complete Ludwig team, the bar suited perfect as an intimite place to celebrate the anniversary. DJ Troubled Rebel (Hotmamahot) and Sonno (Jungle by Night) started the evening with some vinyl hip hop. Followed by Willy Party and Dijkie and their catchy hits. After a few bottles of champagne we handed over the mic to MC Dlipps, his energy made the crowd warm for the next performances. Starting with Dret & Krulle who performed new tracks, the boys supported the next act. Zwart Licht made the people jump, after a few minutes so many glasses were broken, the bar had to switch to plastic cups. This energetic line up had to be followed up by a DJ who can make the girls go dance; Fanny West.
I decided the night should end big, so I asked Bobby 6 Killers & Karimooo 
(50 Hurtz/Vage Gasten) to finish with some dubstep. Thanks everybody that took the time to dress up, drink and dance.
Special love to Bobbie and Marlis for their organising skills.

More photo's see the album of the anniversary party.

Photography by Raymond van Mil

Ben de Boef's 1 Year Anniversary Tattoo parlour Het Ruyterhuis

One year ago Ben de Boef decided to pursue his boysdream. Looking for the perfect place, he found the monumental Ruyterhuis. Formally owned by famous Admiral Michiel de Ruyter (1650), it was used as a saloon for his sailsman.
With this rich history, the building was exactly what Ben was looking for. He opened up his tattoo parlour, specialized in old skool sailor tattooing.

Accompanied by his Californian collegue Eric Blair, Het Ruyterhuis has been up and running for a year. The parlour has already seen two expositions, worked perfect as a filmlocation for tv programs 'The Face' (RTL) and 'Alles is Liefde' (SBS) and suited as decor for many other projects.
Meanwhile Ben de Boef has not only been tattooing. After associating with big enterprises such as Tommy Hilfiger, Q Dance and the Amsterdam Fashion Week he can proudly say he worked hard this year.
All of this said, now it's the time to celebrate a year of blood, sweat and tears.
Hereby we present the first official anniversary.


BEN DE BOEF'S 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TATTOO PARLOUR HET RUYTERHUIS

SATURDAY 26th JANUARY 2013
22:00 - 04:00
LUDWIG AMSTERDAM (Reguliersdwarsstraat 37)
Free entrance
 
ZWART LICHT
DRET & KRULLE
FANNY WEST
BOBBY 6 KILLERS & KARIMOOO (50 HURTZ)
HOTMAMAHOT SOUNDSYSTEM
WILLY PARTY & DIJKIE
 
Sponsored by: BEN DE BOEF, BOLS GENEVERS, HOTMAMAHOT 

See Facebook event

Ben de Boef and FootballCulture collabo

Yesterday Ben de Boef and FootballCulture came together at Tattoo parlour Het Ruyterhuis. The first 10 guys who bought the pin up t-shirt Ben designed won a free tattoo. One of the reporters of AT5 had to come by and get one.
The 'Betty Balls' t-shirts are available at the Fresh Cotton Online Store.

'Alles is liefde' (SBS6) shoots an episode at the parlour

Reality show 'Alles is Liefde' (SBS6) sends Leontine Borsato to the parlour. Subject of the episode is Edwin, a man who has been sick for a long time and wants to get a tattoo for his wife. Ben de Boef designed a tattoo of their weddingrings.
The episode was broadcasted wednesday 28th of November. Watch the episode.
 

Promote Your Art invites Ben de Boef

Promote Your Art is a night where creative people meet, inspire and discuss art. This tuesday the fourth edition will take place, Ben de Boef is invited to take part in the live talkshow. For more details check the event.

Promote Your Art

Tuesday 30 October

19:30 till 23:00

Het Rozentheater, Rozengracht 117

Free entrance

Ben de Boef working at Warrior's Dance Festival Belgrade

While the parlour was closed for the weekend, Ben was hired by The Prodigy to tattoo at the Warrior's Dance Festival in Belgrade. Working all night from 5pm till 4am tattooing Prodigy and Warrior's Dance logo's, with one hour break to see the Prodigy live.

Japanese tattoo master Horitaka guesting at the Bacardi House

The dragon plays an important role in Asian culture and they have strong roots in Japanese tattoo culture. And now, new life is given to the dragon by Bacardi Dragonberry. Bacardi asked Horitaka, a well known and highly respected Japanese tattoo master, to design a dragon tattoo based on the Bacardi Dragonberry dragon.

'Hori' is a title which is handed from a master to his apprentice. It's a title that proofs perfected skills and style.

Next month the Bacardi House will be turned into a pop-up tattooshop. Here Horitaka will personally tattoo his dragon on a few lucky people. Would you like to be one of those people? Vice gives you the chance to earn 'the mark of the master'.

For more details see Vice.com.

You are invited to see the master at work

8/9 September from 18:00 till 23:00 (limited space)

Bacardi House - Oudezijds Achterburgwal 60/62

  

Combining tattoos, cocktails and food. Anything is possible.

Saturday the 11th of August a night full of tattooing, music, cocktails and food will be presented. This party will be hosted by Kwikfiets Amsterdam, a variety of food is being supplied by Streep. Biologische catering & productie. On the menu you will find specialities such as 'blossomvodka', Spanish mussels, cherry beer, young goatscheese with 'Marc de Bourgogne Balsamic syrup' and more food you will not find in your local supermarket.
Tattoo parlour Het Ruyterhuis decorates the place and you will find your typical Ben de Boef exposition in the basement.
The night will end with a musical performance by Zac Stibbs.

If you would like to make a reservation for the 4 course dinner (€35,- drinks included) send your email to us@andtherestofsuchthings.com 
The event is also open for non-eaters.
For more details check the event.

Eric Blair joined the team

Proud to present our latest asset to the parlour. Eric Blair has joined the Ruyterhuis team. Eric studied and worked at Sunset Strip Tattoo for fourteen years during the golden age of tattooing in Hollywood. He tattooed lots of celebrities such as Tupac, Angelina Jolie and Robbie Williams. As he is in love with Amsterdam he now found his perfect place to work.

Take a look at his gallery here. Eric only works by appointment. Come by the parlour and have a face-to-face talk about your plans. You can also send your email to ericblair@hetruyterhuis.com or call the parlour.

'Ben de Sjon & Sjoco de Boef' exposition

Last week the Nuit Blanche was held in Amsterdam, Tattoo parlour Het Ruyterhuis was part of their program. Ben de Boef and Sjoco Sjon teamed up to make the 'Ben de Sjon & Sjoco de Boef' exposition. The night was under musical accompaniment of DJ's Bambo, Rambi, Eddy, Sonno and folk singers Jan en de Bunders. Ben de Boef tattooed a pig's head and by his supervision other people could also give tattooing a try.

More photos, see the album of the exposition. Also read a review of the night by Gutmag.

Photography by Lieke van Kalken

Ewert and the Two Dragons clipshoot at the parlour

A month ago the Estonian band Ewert and the Two Dragons came by the parlour to shoot their new video 'Good Man Down'. The video is part of the Bagels for Breakfast project. A videoserie of music artists that shoot their track at a inspirational place.
For a day the parlour was taken over for musical purpose, here is the result.

Nuit Blanche Amsterdam 2012 'You might get tattooed'

Nuit Blanche Amsterdam is the annual nighttime festival about art and culture in Amsterdam. Ben was asked to hold a performance in his venue for this years edition.
Tattoo parlour Het Ruyterhuis hosts the 'You might get tattooed' party.
Ben de Boef and Sjoco Sjon teamed up to make the exposition 'Ben de Sjon & Sjoco de Boef' for this evening. Music by DJ Bambo and Rambi & DJ Eddy and Sonno.

Two weeks before the night starts, Nuit Blanche interviews Ben de Boef about his parlour and their collaboration. See the interview here. Read more about 'You might get tattooed' here and here.

Latest client Tommy Hilfiger and other art assignments

While the shop has been up and running for a few months Ben de Boef has not only been tattooing. After working together with Q Dance, RTL, Pop Up 19 and Fresh Inc now comes Tommy Hilfiger. Every year Hilfiger organises a party at nightclub Paradiso. This year Ben is designing the decor at this party.

Shout out to Hendrikus Amsterdam. 30th of May, Paradiso. See you there.

Check this page to see other artwork assignments.

RTL's show The Face visits the parlour for a fitting day

Monday the 27th of february starts RTL's newest show, The Face. A competition of experienced models who wanna be at the top of the fashion industry. On this particular episode the models work with Sjaak Hullekes and did a fitting for his line. No better place to shoot this day then at the parlour Hullekes decorated himself. 

The episode was broadcasted monday 5th of March. Watch the episode.

A few photos of the fitting day show the beautiful cooperation between fashion and the parlour.

 

Photography by Bobbie van Diem

Interview with Ben de Boef in NIW

Nieuw Israelietisch Weekblad (NIW) talks with Ben de Boef two weeks after he opened his tattoo shop (interview is in Dutch). Issue 10th of february 2012. Link to the interview.

Introducing: Before and after

Beer, vinyl & tattoos

I want to thank everybody for joining me during the opening of my parlour. The party became more crowded than I thought it would be, therefore I'm grateful for DJ Troubled Rebel, Eetcafe de Hut, Thijs, Jimmy, Daniëlle and Ruth for helping out. If it wasn't for them, there would be no music, drinks or food whatsoever.

When I arrived at the afterparty round 10, the atmosphere was great. Me and Etienne painted the walls in the cafe, I had Jaapjekent'em behind the turntables.

I want to thank Guido, owner of Cafe Speijk, for this great night.

More photos, see the album of the opening.

Now the parlour is open for business. If you cycle by you will see what this shop has become. Tattoo parlour Het Ruyterhuis; still breathing times of sailors and naval battles. Visit the shop anytime, we're open from 11:00 till 20:00.

Official Opening of Tattoo parlour Het Ruyterhuis

To founder Ben de Boef the opening of this tattoo shop is like a dream came true. He and his colleagues are glad to welcome you during the official opening.

We would like to invite you to give our blessings to the future of Het Ruyterhuis and have a look at this special tattoo shop, decorated by fashion designer Sjaak Hullekes.

The opening is part of the Downtown Programme of the Amsterdam Fashion Week.

Please send your confirmation if you would like to attend the opening. You can do so by sending an email to: info@hetruyterhuis.com 

Press who would like to attend the opening please send your confirmation to: publicity@hetruyterhuis.com (this email adress you can also use in case you would like to receive pictures and/or a press-release)

 

Opening is officially during the Amsterdam Fashion Week

Just official; the opening of the parlour will be during the Amsterdam Fashion Week. The opening is scheduled 27th of january and can be found in the Downtown Programme.

Finishing up the parlour

Blood, sweat and tears where shed, but the end is in sight. While the last orders are being delivered, the phone is already ringing of the hook. Looks like the first customer will to be my youngest brother. After all it's our family who deserves the most appreciation for their hard work. More and more people are getting curious about the parlour. It seems to be the right time to give a glimse of the shop.

First and foremost, I want to thank Maarten, Mirjam, Miep and Willem for their unconditional love and support. Sebastiaan and Sjaak for their magnificent styling and inspiration. Paul for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. Jonathan and Mesut for driving everything around the country. Gideon, Edgar, Jeff, Mitch, Zwier, Thijs, Andre, Eva, Aloë, Fred and Daniëlle for biting the dust. Joey for taking care of the jenever. Jackson for always being there for me. Etienne because he's the best partner I could wish for. And Bobbie for not giving up on me in this stressful period.

Rebuilding and designing has started

Kalkmarkt 1 is centered on the corner of the Prins Hendrikkade and the Oude Schans. We are the proud new owners of this beautiful old Amsterdam building. Just a week ago we started rebuilding the interior and it's already starting to look like a tattoo shop. If you walk by, you will merely see the gorgeous entrance since we are keeping the interior secret for as long as it is being designed. Tattoo parlour Het Ruyterhuis is going to house tattoo artists Ben de Boef and Etienne Blackbeard. Meanwhile we are on the look-out for other talented artists who could fit in the team.

Word has spread, Dutch fashion designer Sjaak Hullekes is designing Het Ruyterhuis. This celebrated designer won the Dutch Mercedez Benz fashion award in 2009 and owns his shop 'Sjaak Hullekes', located in the centre of Arnhem. He teamed up with Fred de la Bretonière for the brand's fall/winter clothing line for 2011.

Here are a few snapshots of the rebuilding. Stay tuned for the official invitation for the grand opening which will be published here.