Preserving the styles, sounds and scenes forged by young people for future generations.
(8)
Jasi is Birmingham born and bred, from Sikh heritage.
Growing up in a multicultural area, hanging out with kids on her street, she got into Punk and Indie music. With friends she visited clubs, record shops and house parties. Jasi’s first job was in a pizzeria and the money went on shopping for new clothes.
Jasi and friends, Birmingham, UK, 1980s. Submitted by Jasi and collected by Jez Collins for the project Setting The Record Straight.
Four Young Mods at Two Tone Gig at Top Rank, with The Specials, Selector, and Madness in Brighton, 1980.
Photographed by Clare Muller.
Jaye was born in Hackney to a family that’s been in the East End for generations,
She talks about her early experiences with clothing and tribes explaining how she started out as a Casual in the late 70s. Talking about her attraction to the New Romantic scene in the early 80s and finding this to be a place in which she could explore her trans identity and how she continued experimenting with her presentation by becoming a Goth, which connected her to the Punks and Crusties. Jaye describes her experience as a gay trans woman and how she favours continuity through returning to old environments and maintaining friendships after her transition. She also talks about her pre-transition teenage experience dating Goth girls who were into transgressive gender non-conforming boys and how the Goth scene provided her with a safe space during her youth.
Listen to Jaye’s full oral history at https://museumofyouthculture.com/chardine-taylor-stone/
Photos submitted by Jaye Ward and collected by Chardine Taylor-Stone as part of Alternative Subcultural Voices, a project for Setting The Record Straight.
Through the looking glass 🪩
Two dancers in pink costumes standing in front of a mirrored wall in Birmingham, UK, September 2000. Photographed by Tristan O’Neill.
November 16th 2016 saw Grime MCs gather for one final Rhythm Division set on the site of the iconic record shop that had since become a cafe.
Find this date and more in our Subculture Diary 2024, available at the link in our bio. 🔗💥
Mode FM, London, UK, 2017. Photographed by Ellie Ramsden.
It’s Transgender Awareness Week 🏳️⚧️
This year has seen further attacks on trans communities from media and government. Resources for trans youth are under attack amidst already struggling youth services. Raised visibility remains necessary to ensure everyone can know trans individuals as people and not political pawns.
Transgender Awareness Week culminates with the Transgender Day of Remembrance on Sunday 19th November 2023.
Trans community protests, London, UK, 2022. Photographed by Bex Wade
😈
Cradle Of Filth fans shout and scream at the barrier, UK, 2000s. Photographed by Naki.
“My remit was to document the diversity of young people living in the area - what it means to be a young person in today’s society as well as living in the Black Country. I worked across the cultural divide to cover all aspects of the social strata there. The subjects were photographed in their bedrooms so that the objects and decoration within became metaphors for their individuality and their cultural contexts.” Michelle Sank
Mendez, Engombe, Lee & Magyar in Black Country, West Midlands, UK, 2017. Photographed by Michelle Sank from the series My.Self.
Did you ever start your own club night? 🔥
Dancers at Funktup, UK, December, 2004. Photographed by Suzy Del Campo.
A short history on pin badges with Alice Ridgeway from The Rusty Pin. 🎒
We chat with Pin Badge Historian Alice Ridgway from the The Rusty Pin discussing her work collecting badges, her favourite designs and the untold story of th...
Trouble about town ⚡️
Lee and Joanne's friends posing for a photo, Stockport, UK, 1980S. Submitted by Lee & Joanne.
Some sunshine on this grey day 🌞
Skate Gals n Pals gather in the summer months, London, 2020s. Photographed by Marie Mayassi.
“I think the softness is subconscious. Again, there’s a duality from hedonism on the night out to the morning after. I do think that women are much better at talking to each other, although not always, there’s nothing I couldn’t speak to my mates about. We’ve been lucky enough to grow up together and our closeness has come from that. The softness is a reflection of how we are towards each other. We’ve gone through real s**t and we hold each other up through that.”
Connie Swift captures the heady nights out and gentle mornings after accompanied by the mates that know us better than anyone. The work captures those ‘best days of our lives’ just how we all really remember them; colourful and blurry, up close and fleshy, sometimes dark but always with a feeling like we’re at the centre of the universe. Focusing on the women in her own life that give her strength, Connie portrays an intimate and honest picture of what it means be a girl growing up today.
Young people have always been drawn to two wheels and speed. We delve into Brunel's work documenting the bike life scene.
Hanging Around 😈
Group of nu-metal friends, Liverpool, UK, November 2001. Photographed by Rebecca Lewis.
Monday vibes 🤓
School photographs submitted by Paul, Mel, Ansar and Alina.
"This is me (on the right, dark permed hair) with my best friend Stef in our living room, after school on no school uniform day, 1990, aged 14. We lived in Lowton, near Leigh and Wigan in Greater Manchester, and at the time were very big Stone Roses and Happy Mondays fans. We were too young to really be part of the Manchester scene, but wore the clothes, listened to the music, got the bus to Manchester to go to Affleck’s Palace and thought we were cooler than everyone else at school (which we were). My brother (Robert Woods) was at art college in Leigh at the time, and he took this photo. He used to go to a lot of gigs in Manchester and I lived vicariously through him until I was old enough to go out properly."
Katy and her friend Stef hanging out in the living room after school, Lowton, Great Manchester, UK, 1990. Submitted by Katy Sadler.
"This spooky yearly occasion is generally seen in the UK as a relatively recent American cultural import, however, the truth is much closer to our British homes, and is actually longer-standing than many other annual celebrations and occasions dotted in our calendar. What we can see as the proto-Halloween though is actually Samhain - a Harvest festival celebrated by the ancient Celts."
This spooky yearly occasion is generally seen in the UK as a relatively recent American cultural import, however, the truth is much closer to our British homes, and is actually longer-standing than many other annual celebrations and occasions dotted in our calendar. What we can see as the proto-Hall...
Happy Halloween 🎃
Group of bikers at fancy-dress party, The 59 Club, London, UK, 1960s. Submitted by the 59 Club.
We met Rose in the Lakeview Court care home in Thamesmead, South London. She spoke to us about her experiences growing up in Nigeria, and moving to London in her early 20s to work as a nurse in the NHS.
Growing up in Thamesmead, London, UK. Submitted by Rose.
“Journeys home and to all nighters were just as much part of the fun for me. Wondering who’s going to be there, meeting up with your friends and the gentle banter. Surreal things would happen, which if I tried to explain to people outside of it wouldn't make sense, but it made perfect sense to us.”
Read our full interview with idell Kamili who remembers the endless nights of the Norther Soul all-nighters.
Journeys home and to all nighters were just as much part of the fun for me. Wondering who’s going to be there, meeting up with your friends and the gentle banter. Surreal things would happen, which if I tried to explain to people outside of it wouldn't make sense, but it made perfect sense to us.
Isn’t youth about choosing your own path?
We’ve decided to offer two front covers for The Subculture Diary 2024 because we know subcultures are about celebrating our differences. You can now decide between the Kill The Bill shot from Aiyush Pachnanda and the Mod Couple by George Plemper.
Illustrated with iconic subculture photography throughout and featuring key dates from youth culture history, such as…
5th January 2019 - Greggs Launch The Vegan Sausage Roll
1st May 1994 - Criminal Justice Act march & riots
19th June 1972 - The first issue of Spare Rib hits newsstands
September 1994 - Rinse FM first begins broadcasting
17th December 1989 - First ever episode of The Simpsons airs
The Subculture Diary 2024 is available for Pre-Order now at shop.museumofyouthculture.com !
Post-war Britain was a time of new ideas. American G.I.s introduced pop culture from across the Atlantic and the British Nationalities Act invited people from across the Commonwealth. Arriving in Britain to support the post-war recovery, new arrivals brought art, dance, music and ideas that would transform the future of youth culture. By spring 1962, the Commonwealth Immigrants Act brought in new restrictions for those arriving in the UK. Howard Grey went to Waterloo Station to photograph the last arrivals from the West Indies before the act was enacted.
Howard is working with the Railway Museum to track down the people in the photographs - you can get in touch at [email protected]. The full collection can be viewed at howardgrey.com/windrush.
Through the month of October, Howard's photos are on display at Coventry train station to celebrate Black History Month.
Because Thursday is the new Friday 🍾
Twice As Nice Party, Ayia Napa, 2000s. Photographed by Jason Manning.
We’re still so in love with these shots of from the new zine We Are Your Friends 🎪
Kids hang out at Underage Festival, Victoria Park, London, 2000s. Photographed by Rebecca Thomas.
Who read NME? 📚
NME Spiked Photoshoot, Montpelier Park, Bristol, 1986. Photographed by Beezer.
The loss of lives over the recent days has been heartbreaking. We are reflecting on everyone who will be dealing with loss, trauma and distress now and forever.
As in so many instances of war and conflict, those who most suffer the consequences of governments without a voice of their own are children. This is especially true in Gaza where half the population are children, and we call for an immediate ceasefire. The Museum of Youth Culture stands for the ability for young people everywhere to live their life freely.
We urge everyone to advocate in whatever way is accessible to them - join a march, volunteer with local organisations, donate to charities providing humanitarian aid, write to your MP and take time to hear from those affected.
"In the early 1980's, there was a little subculture known as psychobilly; a weird mixture of Rockabilly and punk, at least there was in Cheshire! I met my boyfriend of the time at an alternative night where the air was heavy with Boots extra strong hairspray and the squeak of brothel creepers on the dancefloor! Our bands were The Meteors, The Cramps and King Kurt. The gang all went to Blackpool en masse for my 19th birthday in 1984, which is where these photos were taken. Such is the power of music and youth culture that we are all still the best of chums, although with not as much hair now!"
Louise and boyfriend on her 19th birthday, Blackpool, UK, 1980s. Submitted by Louise Hawthorn.
“Being Black and female on the punk scene was difficult. Well let's be honest, it was simply a reflection of what wider society was like in the late 70s and throughout the 80s. Having said that, I was attracted to punk subculture not only because of the music, but for its politics too. I was brought up in a household with parents who were very interested in politics and current affairs, and I have strong memories of being a child watching the news before Dad went to work and programmes like ‘World in Action’ which was a weekly documentary programme focusing on current affairs and featured John Pilger as a presenter.”
Sonia Long grew was a black punk in Nottingham during the 1970’s, she shared her stories of growing up with us in an essay over on our website. Throughout Black History Month we’ll be sharing histories from our archives that celebrate black youth culture heritage.
Sonia and friends, Nottingham, UK, 1970s. Submitted by Sonia Long.
Sonia Long shares her story of growing up as a black punk in 1970's Nottingham. From the gigs to the fashions and the people she met that shaped who she is today.
"Camden, London. Winter 2021. Following my interest for music and its history. Me and a friend headed to a vinyl store in Camden. After speaking with the owner about how hard it is to have a store like this, with the popularity of vinyl music declining, I felt the need to capture a moment in a store."
Isaac captures friends around music shops and in-between music video shoots, UK, 2020’s. Submitted by Isaac Klass.
The Subculture Diary 2024 📆
The Subculture Diary is back and better with new photographs and memories from youth culture documented over the last 100 years as well as a complete 2024 calendar with plenty of space for appointments, meetings and parties.
This pocket sized youth culture bible is illustrated with iconic subculture photography featuring key dates for the new year along with dates from decades gone by that trace youth culture around the world to bring the power of social history into your daily life. Also featuring festival and sporting schedules for the year ahead as well as quotes from photographers and figures of the most iconic movements. Bring together dates from the evolution of Rockers to Grime with your own events and anniversaries. All bound in a durable A5 soft-back cover.
Designed and researched in house at the Museum of Youth Culture, all profits go towards our work preserving and educating to inspire future generations. Now available for £20, to be shipped by December!
Featuring iconic dates such as,
5th January 2019 - Greggs Launch The Vegan Sausage Roll
1st May 1994 - Criminal Justice Act march & riots
19th June 1972 - The first issue of Spare Rib hits newsstands
September 1994 - Rinse FM first begins broadcasting
17th December 1989 - First ever episode of The Simpsons airs
PRE-ORDER NOW!!
The Subculture Diary 2024 - available for pre-order! Now available for £20, to be shipped by December! The Subculture Diary is back and better with new photographs and memories from youth culture documented over the last 100 years as well as a complete 2024 calendar with plenty of space for appoint...
THRESHOLDS is open all weekend 💥
Check out our new exhibition - on this weekend only! We’ve opened the doors to our archives for the public to experience a trip through youth cultures past and present.
With immersive rooms to explore, soundscapes taking you on to the dance floor and the invitation to explore and handle our slide archive this is not one to be missed!
Open Saturday & Sunday
12pm - 6pm
Museum of Youth Culture
47-49 Durham Street, SE11 5JA
Vauxhall (Nearest tubes are Vauxhall & Oval)
See you there 🚪✨
Volunteer with us! We're holding an info session next Monday October 16th, 6pm-7pm Online ⏰
This is a short online introduction session for people who are interested in volunteering with the Museum of Youth Culture. We will be giving an overview of what we do and what projects we're working on at the moment, as well as outlining volunteer opportunities and other ways to get involved. Please bring along any questions you have for us to answer.
A short introduction session to the Museum of Youth Culture, what we're up to and how you can volunteer with us.
Big dose of noughties nostalgia from the ice rink ⛸
Kids at the ice skating rink, UK, 2000s. Photographed by Rebecca Lewis.
Our new Subculture Bookshop staff pick is High Society: Mind-Altering Drugs in History and Culture by Mike Jay 💫
“Coming from a social and cultural context, Mike Jay gives us an in-depth, engaging and naturally colourful insight into the history of everything drugs. By laying the foundations through the history of naturally occurring drugs, Jay allows us to drop our previous notions of what we perceive as drug culture and allows for a new, nuanced understanding of the once highly sacred pass-time. Packed with fascinating cultural practices and beautiful imagery, the book takes you quite literally through a trip of the world’s hidden drug practices to the more common day names. Nothing is left to the imagination to say the least! From ancient Kava and Betel quids to the age of To***co and the prevalence of Prohibition, the encyclopaedia will leave you extremely knowledgeable in the intricacies of not only drugs, but the communal engagement and widespread impact (both negative and positive) intoxicants have had on us mere mammals.”
Selected by Yeliz. Head to www.subculturebookshop.com to get your copy!
Were you a poster collector? 🛌
Cathy posing with posters, UK, late 1980s-90s. Submitted by Cathy Limb.
Museum of Youth Culture is running a FREE course for Lambeth residents aged 16-25 this autumn!
There will be training in museum, photography and archiving skills before developing an exhibition where you will showcase your stories of Lambeth. All run from our office in Vauxhall.
Are you…
Interested in documenting youth culture?
Want to learn new skills?
Got an idea for an exhibition in Lambeth?
Then to get involved email [email protected]
Photo in flyer by Tristan O’Neill.
Taken at Caxton Youth Club in Westminster.
The local club would hold records during the sixties for local working-class youth. Colin salvaged the photos and has looked after them since, now we’re re-scanning them all!
Caxton Youth Club, Westminster, London, UK, 1967.
A new exhibition in Deptford explores architecture and community on the Pepys Estate. For photographer Freddie Miller this took a subcultural approach, choosing to approach the local communities of the estate in an effort to uplift stories of everyday counterculture.
The work, now on show at Gareth Gardner Gallery, explores the daily motions of young people trying to make it as the next big Drill stars through portraits and documentation of modern-day living. A friction arises - young people creating permanence through a musical legacy while facing innercity developments to home and housing.
A new exhibition in Deptford explores architecture and community on the Pepys Estate. For photographer Freddie Miller this took a subcultural approach, choosing to approach the local communities of the estate in an effort to uplift stories of everyday counterculture.
Rave Vision 👓
Pages of Ravers from Party People Press, UK, 2020s. Submitted by Party People Press.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Museum of Youth Culture posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Send a message to Museum of Youth Culture:
Did you know we released a second edition of the Grown up in Britain book? To celebrate the launch of our exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, this second edition is a softback book. Grab it from our online shop for only £20: https://bit.ly/3d4uJLF
Shopping galore 💘 To celebrate the opening of our new Beak Street shop, we went on a bit of a shopping spree and are excited to bring you lots of new stock. From the latest books delving into youth culture histories to a fresh selection of records for our in-house DJ Joe Egg, there’s lots to discover online and in-store. Shop now at: https://bit.ly/3KLPRlA
GROWN UP IN G-SHOCK ⌚️ We're excited to introduce the new G-SHOCK x Museum of Youth Culture Limited Edition Collaboration! Launching on Feb 18th, with a Grown up in G-SHOCK exhibition at the Museum!
Do you have any home footage? 📹 We need you! Our new exhibition in the basement gallery focuses on home footage and we're in need of more video content! Get in touch at [email protected] Footage submitted by Tamir.
Gavin Watson x Real Fake Drop 🔥🔥 The incredible artist Trav from Real Fake has given the iconic images of Gavin Watson a makeover to reignite the spirit of rave. Taking his five favourite images from Gavin's cult book Raving '89 and breathing new life into them, we are excited to launch these limited edition posters of his pieces. Grab your copy (one of only 20) only for only £30! http://shop.museumofyouthculture.com/product-category/gavin-watson-x-real-fake/
Cockney lass Norma share her memories of teen life as a Mod in the Royal Docks. She spoke about family life, best places to go shopping in the East End and some of the segregation she faced as a mixed-race woman in London's nightclubs. Listen to her story here: https://qrco.de/bcSGtO Her story is on show as part of Royal Docks Originals, at the Thames Barrier Park Cafe until October 31st. This Black History Month we're celebrating some of the amazing everyday stories of growing up in our collections.
A new museum to house your stories of youth. Honestly, authentically, without fuss. A museum you can join today. Help us launch our first inaugural exhibition in 2019.
Originally formed from the archives of London based club culture and lifestyle magazine Sleazenation, the Museum of Youth Culture has been quietly collecting photographs, clothing and ephemera documenting our rich youth culture movements, scenes, fashions and nightlife over the last 22 years.
The archive brings together over 100,000 precious photographs, slides and objects celebrating the diversity and boldness of youth culture movements in the UK from the birth of the teenager in post-war Britain to the modern Grime scene of East London. It's now time to share this collection with the world.
Since 2015 the Museum of Youth Culture has evolved from a small youth culture photo archive into a fully fledged heritage team of youth culture specialists, working together to reinvent the modern museum for the purpose of preserving, sharing and celebrating youth culture history. The Museum is a response to an increasing public demand for a central go-to hub for the celebration and preservation of British youth culture including music, fashion and social movements.
The Museum of Youth Culture archive houses the most comprehensive collection of youth and subculture movements in the United Kingdom over the last 100 years, from Psychobillies to UK Garage, all our contributors and collaborators are authentic participants and active spokespersons of their respective scenes.
Already a renowned resource in the academic sector, the Museum of Youth Culture archive maintains long term partnerships with University Degree programmes including Fashion Design, Fashion Promotion and Sociology, providing access, workshops and academic support for students researching youth culture and social history.
Currently housed privately in Printworks London, Europe's biggest nightclub, the Museum of Youth Culture needs your support as a Museum Patron to help make this a public online collection enriched with a leading education and public outreach programme.
We think it's about time a permanent museum is dedicated to the specific needs of youth culture, subculture, and social history without the agenda of big institutions or curatorial bias. That's why we want to open a permanent Museum of Youth Culture free education space including a darkroom and gallery in Summer 2020.
#}