'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.