London Skinheads 1979-1984: Where Are They Now?

Skinheads of London were captured on camera by Derek Ridgers. Between 1979 and 1984, Rigers recorded a youth culture that to many was all about the music (Trojan records and Jamaican rude boys) to some was about the far right and violence. The neo-Nazis robbed Skinheads of their cool, draping them in menace and racism.

But there was always cameraderie.

Says Ridgers:

“I thought they were the most photogenic youth cult of all. Among them were some undeniably beautiful and memorable faces, some of the best faces I’ve ever photographed.”

They are great photos of a lost youth culture.

Captions are by the photographer.

“Kate, left, and Lesley, Shoreditch, 1979″ kicks things off.

 

 

 

kate

Chelsea, March 1982. Photograph: Derek Ridgers

Chelsea, March 1982. Photograph: Derek Ridgers

Dawn, left, and Becky, photographed in Putney Railway Station, 1980. Photograph: Derek Ridgers

Dawn, left, and Becky, photographed in Putney Railway Station, 1980. Photograph: Derek Ridgers

This is John and Dave (gleaned simply from looking at their tattoos) in Chelsea in 1981. Photograph: Derek Ridgers

This is John and Dave (gleaned simply from looking at their tattoos) in Chelsea in 1981. Photograph: Derek Ridgers

Leicester Square, 1981.

Leicester Square, 1981.

Young skinhead photographed close to Carnaby Street in 1980.

Young skinhead photographed close to Carnaby Street in 1980.

Kate, left, and Lesley, Shoreditch, 1979.

Kate, left, and Lesley, Shoreditch, 1979.

Two skinhead girls photographed on a bank holiday in Brighton (this is the image later used by Morrissey on the Your Arsenal tour).

Two skinhead girls photographed on a bank holiday in Brighton (this is the image later used by Morrissey on the Your Arsenal tour).

Skinheads hanging around outside The Last Resort shop in Goulston Street, 1981.

Skinheads hanging around outside The Last Resort shop in Goulston Street, 1981.

I entitled this photograph ‘Smiler’ since he’s got it written on his jacket. His real name was Wayne and his street name was Wally. In an email he informed me that he was 16 when I took this photograph in 1984.

I entitled this photograph ‘Smiler’ since he’s got it written on his jacket. His real name was Wayne and his street name was Wally. In an email he informed me that he was 16 when I took this photograph in 1984.

Photographed in Billys, at 69 Dean Street, Soho 1979. This was my first encounter with any skinheads since the early 70s and Wally, the guy waving a fist, was the guy that persuaded me to hang out with them and take more photos. Photograph: Derek Ridgers

Photographed in Billys, at 69 Dean Street, Soho 1979. This was my first encounter with any skinheads since the early 70s and Wally, the guy waving a fist, was the guy that persuaded me to hang out with them and take more photos. Photograph: Derek Ridgers

 

Where are they now?

 

Derek Ridgers’ Skinheads 1979-1984 is published by Omnibus Press.

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.