A new photography show looking at life in Britain’s black communities during the ’70s and early ’80s is coming to London this weekend.
The exhibition, titled Back In The Day, will spotlight 25 images that address the politics of race and representation in the UK. It is tied to the upcoming release of Idris Elba’s directorial debut Yardie –which follows the story of a young Jamaican man in ’80s London as he attempts to avenge the death of his brother.
All of the shots featured in the show will be supplied by Autograph – a Hackney-based arts charity which aims to explore “cultural identity, human rights and social justice” through the use of visual arts. Photographers featured include Bandele ‘Tex’ Ajetunmobi, Raphael Albert, Armet Francis, Colin Jones, Neil Kenlock, Dennis Morris, Charlie Philips, and Syd Shelton.
Back In The Day will run at Hackney Picturehouse from August 18 to September 2.

Colin Jones, Untitled, from the series The Black House, 1973-1976

Armet Francis, Fashion Shoot, Brixton Market, London, 1973.

Colin Jones, Untitled, from the series The Black House, 1973-1976

Raphael Albert, Miss Black & Beautiful Sybil McLean with fellow contestants, Hammersmith Palais, London, 1972

Colin Jones, Jamaica, late 1970s

Colin Jones, Untitled, from the series The Black House, 1973-1976

Colin Jones, Untitled, from the series The Black House, 1973-1976

Raphael Albert, Miss Black & Beautiful contest, Hammersmith, London, 1970s

Tex Ajentunmobi, Untitled, East End, London, 1970s
Back in the Day: The Autograph Archive will be on show at the Hackney Picturehouse from August 18 to September 2.
Yardie will be in cinemas August 31. Special nationwide preview screenings, including a live satellite Q&A with Idris Elba, take place on August 23.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Nick Haymes’s intimate portrait of his family’s life
Chronograph — Over 25 years, the photographer documented his son’s lives as they grew into adults. The resulting photobook is an exploration of the passage of time, as well as the optimism of youth.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Kristina Rozhkova’s scatty, confronting portrait of captivity
Gut Feeling — The Russian artist’s 2024 arrest and subsequent detention opened her eye towards the omnipresent dynamics of power and control. Her new photobook is a stark exploration of being trapped.
Written by: Isaac Muk
UK’s first ever Latino film festival is coming to London
LoLaFF — Taking place between October 2-6, it will feature 55 filmmakers from Latin America, with an opening night at the Barbican.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Shawn Walker’s layered, psychedelic vision of Harlem’s streets
From BeBop to Illusion — Using glass as a means to illuminate the city’s different layers, the longtime photographer and filmmaker is publishing his first monograph at the age of 86.
Written by: Miss Rosen
In photos: The enduring resistance of Notting Hill Carnival
Carnival of Resistance — A new photobook by Wayne Campbell and Wayne Crichlow reflects on the protest beginnings of Europe’s biggest street festival, along with the traditions keeping its original spirit alive today.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Washing strangers’ feet at Houghton Festival
Pedilavium — As part of artist Henry Krokatsis’s performance piece at the weekender, we sat down with over 30 others to clean the dusty digits of passersby, while reflecting on the power of collective ritual and human connection.
Written by: Isaac Muk