Derek Ridgers is British photographer that has done a fantastic job of capturing youth culture over the decades through his photos. From 1979 to 1984, he documented the controversial Skinhead movement…Check out these powerful and striking pictures he captured of these youth. Derek Ridgers’ book SKINHEADS can be bought here!
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
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
Leicester Square, 1981. Photograph: Derek Ridgers
Donna, Leicester Square, 1981. Photograph: Derek Ridgers
Young skinhead photographed close to Carnaby Street in 1980. Photograph: Derek Ridgers
Margate during a bank holiday, 1981. Photograph: Derek Ridgers
Kevin, photographed next to The Last Resort shop in Goulston Street, 1981. Photograph: Derek Ridgers
Kate, left, and Lesley, Shoreditch, 1979. Photograph: Derek Ridgers
Two skinhead girls photographed on a bank holiday in Brighton (this is the image later used by Morrissey on the Your Arsenal tour). Photograph: Derek Ridgers
Skinheads hanging around outside The Last Resort shop in Goulston Street, 1981. Photograph: Derek Ridgers
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. Photograph: Derek Ridgers
