Liverpool in the 1980s – Poignant Photos by Dave Sinclair

An official photographer for Militant, Dave Sinclair’s stunning images show a city that refused to lie down in the face of adversity.

 

Demo in support of Liverpool Council in 1985.

Demo in support of Liverpool Council in 1985.

Liverpool in the 1980s were a time of turmoil and upheaval. Unemployment and economic instability led to widespread disquiet which culminated in public shows of resistance such as the 1981 Toxteth Riots. Liverpool also elected its first Labour council in 1983, who promised to stand up for what they saw as unjust cuts under the Thatcher government.

However, the people of Liverpool were strong in the face of this upheaval, and glimpses of light can be found in dark times. As official photographer for Militant, Dave Sinclair’s stunning images show a city that refused to lie down in the face of adversity. Liverpool in the 1980s pays tribute to the constancy of the Liverpudlian spirit. From citywide protests to intimate portraits, this volume is a unique insight into the recent history of one of Britain’s most inspirational cities.

Liverpool in the 1980s

School students’ strike against Youth Training Scheme conscription, 1985.

 

Liverpool in the 1980s

Liverpool in the 1980s by Dave Sinclair published by Amberley Publishing.

 

Liverpool in the 1980s by Dave Sinclair

Lad throwing rock into the Leeds–Liverpool Canal

 

Liverpool in the 1980s by Dave Sinclair

Three girls in Ashfield Gardens, Vauxhall.

 

 

Liverpool in the 1980s by Dave Sinclair

The Mersey Beat, Dingle.

 

 

Liverpool in the 1980s by Dave Sinclair

The Mersey Beat, Dingle.

 

Liverpool in the 1980s by Dave Sinclair

Two girls with buggies, Braddocks.

 

Four lads, Vauxhall Road.

Four lads, Vauxhall Road.

 

 

Tony Boothe, Pat Phoenix, Derek Hatton, Tony Benn MP and Terry Fields during Terry’s 1983 campaign to be elected to Broadgreen.

Tony Boothe, Pat Phoenix, Derek Hatton, Tony Benn MP and Terry Fields during Terry’s 1983 campaign to be elected to Broadgreen.

 

Anglican Cathedral and the Piggeries.

Anglican Cathedral and the Piggeries.

School students’ strike against Youth Training Scheme conscription, 1985.

School students’ strike against Youth Training Scheme conscription, 1985.

‘You’ll never walk alone’. One week after Hillsborough

Would you like to support Flashbak?

Please consider making a donation to our site. We don't want to rely on ads to bring you the best of visual culture. You can also support us by signing up to our Mailing List. And you can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For great art and culture delivered to your door, visit our shop.