For better or for worse, the image of the skinhead defines a big part of what many in mass culture see as 1980s UK punk. But like so many subcultures (if not all of them), it is so much more complex than its stereotype, full of subcultures of its own. People reading this magazine already know this, as many of you are also part of such a subculture, one that can be shocking or scary for the masses to contemplate. Now, a book published by Ditto Press aims to encompass the depth and breadth of UK skinhead culture through the 80s and 90s. Curated by punk historian Toby Mott, Skinhead: An Archive is a collection of images and literature compiled from zines, films, posters and photography from that era, including writings from Bruce la Bruce and Garry Bushell. While the masses like to associate skinheads with only the fascist interpretation, this book details the many incarnations of skinhead, from anti-racist to socialist to queer. This fascinating book is available now via Ditto Press here, and is also on exhibition at the Ditto Gallery in London until January 22nd…check out some images from the book below…
Images via Dazed Digital
