True Blue is a tattoo and art studio located in the upmarket east of Pretoria. Steering clear of the salubrious back-alley character that many mainstream tattoo shops may have, owners Louis and Meghan Ann Potgieter together with a talented team of tattoo artists have spent years engraving a reputation that is synonymous with class, charm and distinction, not only in the tattoo community but also within the greater art community.

Our studio is a far cry from the more intimidating end of the tattoo shop spectrum, shunning the stereotypical chaotic hovels of the city centre in favour of a more formal structured, energetic atmosphere (we’ll assume you love Rock as much as we do!). Right from the initial design work to the actual final tattoo, True Blue creates pieces born with passion and skill, pieces created to indeed “last a lifetime”. The business seeks to cultivate a sincere and impartial working relationship between the owners and employees, whilst encouraging each individual’s loyalty, integrity, financial and artistic growth.

Tattooing is done by appointment only and, although True Blue’s artists can recreate any flash design with great ease and finesse, clients are encouraged to work closely with the artist to create the custom tattoo of their dreams.

True Blue Tattoo shop outside at night

Samuel Butler referred to this denomination in the satirical poem Hudibras, 1663

For his Religion it was Fit
To match his learning and wit
‘Twas Presbyterian true blue''

Definition of True Blue

The saying: ‘True blue’ is supposed to derive from the blue cloth that was made at Coventry, England in the late middle ages. The town’s dyers had a reputation for producing material that didn’t fade with washing, that is, it remained ‘fast’ or ‘true’. The phrase ‘as true as Coventry blue’ originated then and is still used (in Coventry at least).

There are other theories as to the origin of ‘true blue‘; for example, the representation in paintings of the Virgin Mary in blue clothing, the purity of lineage of the Spanish nobility, referred to as “blue bloods”, or the blue aprons worn by butchers. These derivations are unlikely as they aren’t supported by documentary evidence that links them to ‘true blue’. The Coventry story also has the added credence of closely matching the ‘steadfast, unwavering’ meaning of the phrase.

The change from the literal ‘fast’ coloured cloth to the allusory ‘steadfast’ loyal supporters came around the time that Ray was writing his book of proverbs. The Covenanters were a group of 17th-century Scottish Presbyterians who swore to uphold the National Covenant and oppose the rule of James IV of Scotland. They wore blue as their badge and those who unequivocally supported the cause were called ‘true blue’.

Are you a newbie to tattoos?

We'll help you figure out who, and what style you really like.