A new photo book is set to lift the lid on the London skinhead subculture of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Offering a “rare and intimate” glimpse into the movement that swept working-class youth in London, and across the UK, the images were taken by photographer, John Ingledew.
Releasing the set in a photo book titled ‘Looking for Trouble – I want all you skinheads to get on your feet’, over 160 previously unpublished images will be shared, reports What’s The Jam.
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Ingledew, whose work is already part of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection and has been featured in major exhibitions, has documented various aspects of British subcultures throughout his career.
In his new book, he turns his eye on the skinhead revival, capturing a vibrant and complex scene that he believes has “often been misunderstood or misrepresented”.
A representative said: “This book is more than just a collection of images; it’s a journey into a pivotal moment in British youth culture, offering a new perspective on the skinhead movement through the eyes of someone who was there to capture it all.”
The book includes commentary by Ingledew and a foreword by Jon Swinstead, founder of The Museum of Youth Culture.
Together with Ingledew’s photographs, they aim to provide context and insight into a unique moment in British history when distinct youth tribes like punks, rockabillies, and skinheads were at the forefront of cultural expression.
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The book delves into the world of young skinheads, from their fashion – Ben Sherman shirts, Crombie coats, Levi’s jeans, and Dr. Marten’s boots – to their musical influences, with bands like The Specials and Madness providing the soundtrack to their lives.
One of the standout features of the book is its exploration of the skinhead scene’s diversity.
Ingledew’s images capture a wide range of individuals, from the West London football terraces to the West End of London, where some members of the skinhead community took their look to extremes, including facial tattoos rarely seen outside of sideshows or U.S. prison yards.
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Ingledew has previously published two books focusing on football fans and has written several books for photography and design students.
The limited edition book will have only 800 copies released and is currently available for pre-order.
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