December 6, 2000 10:10: A WELL-KNOWN tattooist who decorated stars such as Adam Ant and members of rock band Iron Maiden has died.

Ben Gunn, 61, of Old Church Road, died in his sleep after a battle with cancer.

His tattoo parlour for 45 years was based at his home which had originally belonged to his mother and father.

He was famous in the tattooing fraternity for his distinctive style and, at his peak, was considered one of the best in the business.

Mr Gunn appeared in a film version of Charles Dickens' Hard Times as the tattooed man and was also on the David Frost Show talking about body arts.

His favourite sport was motor racing he took part in racing old bangers and was a fond animal lover. He collected money on behalf of Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Mr Gunn also was a keen fisherman and painter.

Relatives say clients came from as far afield as Libya to be tattooed by him and he also helped people with disfigurements by doing cosmetic tattoos.

He studied Fine Art at St Martin's College in London and started learning tattooing from Cash Cooper, who had a parlour in the West End.

He set up his own store in Southend, which opened at weekends, before setting up the parlour in Chingford.

He leaves behind one daughter, Wendy, now 31, of Leytonstone, and eight-month-old grandson Kane, along with his estranged wife Kay, 52, who lives in Highams Park.

Wendy said: "He was a character. He was unpredictable but had a brilliant sense of humour and was like a Peter Pan character who never grew up.

"He was an icon to people in the tattooing world and a well-respected figure. He was very well known locally as well."

Terry Oldham, 47, who runs Body Art Tattooing in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, said: "He was a marvellous tattooist who commanded a great deal of respect, which thankfully he got not only from clients but from me as well.

"I was honoured to say that in the early stages of my career, Ben was a big influence and of course a great help.

"He created a style that was all his own. It was complicated tattooing made simple.

"He was one of the best-known tattooists in the country and I will do my most to carry the name of Ben Gunn through my own tattoo career. Ben will be missed by many."

His funeral takes place at the City of London Crematorium on Friday at 3pm.Ben Gunn in 1988Friends say farewell to a great tattooist