Gritty photos of punks, mods, and skinheads in the ‘80s

Gritty photos of punks, mods, and skinheads in the ‘80s
Anarchy in the UK — Photographer Yan Morvan revisits a radical moment in history, which saw the emergence of DIY subcultures and a fiercely-rebellious spirit among the UK's youth.

In 1974, Yan Morvan embarked on his extraordinary photography career chronicling radicals, activists, and outlaws, starting with the street gangs of Parisian suburbs, rockers, and bands. 

Inspired by the work of W. Eugene Smith, Don McCullin, and P.J. Griffiths, Morvan remembers how he “wanted to become a great war photographer like them.” In 1985, he celebrated the 50th birthday of McCullin in Beirut on the terrace of the Hotel Alexandre during a bombing. “The dream had become reality,” he says.

But before that moment arrived, Morvan traveled to London after the 1979 election of Margaret Thatcher to bear witness to another kind of conflict. “She was to change the fate of Britain. It was time to go and see,” says Morvan, who was working as a photojournalist at Gamma, the legendary French photo agency. 

The UK had always held great fascination for Morvan. He spent his formative years in Paris inspired by the massive paradigm shifts of Swinging London, which brought music and fashion to new heights. “It was a time for youth and its outbursts,” he recalls.

But a decade later, the bloom was off the rose. The British Empire collapsed as colonised nations liberated themselves from the yoke of the Commonwealth. With the economy in sharp decline, far-right extremists rallied behind the National Front, waging racists and xenophobic attacks on those brought to rebuild the nation after the war. 

With “No Future” in sight, a new generation of youth rose up to rebel with the emergence of punk, skinhead, mod, ska, 2Tone, and rockabilly subcultures in the mid-1970s. “The freedom, creativity and energy of youth was the driving force behind this revolution of morals that pre-Thatcher England brought to the world,” Morvan says.

In the new book, London Subculture & Protest 1979–1981 (Café Royal Books), Morvan revisits this radical moment in UK history. Nattily-clad rude boys throw rocks on the street, skinheads show off their tattoos, and sullenly strike a pose.  

“We were friendly, traveling in a world of festivities and encounters. Beer flowed – teenage passions too,” says Morvan. “I was 25 and my subjects were much younger than me. We were the kings of a world of musical encounters and the grave-digging madness of the ancient world.

While most of his encounters were peaceful and positive, Morvan recalls a run-in with less tolerant locals. “One night in a bar a bunch of skinheads tried to steal my cameras,” he says. “I managed to escape which gave me a feeling and glory for the rest of the stay.

Forty years later, Morvan’s photographs resonate, reminding us of the power of DIY culture. “Youth is fortunately rebellious. It will always try to repair mistakes,” he says. “Yesterday it was a rebellion against patriarchal society and social distinctions, today it is the fight against racism and the safeguarding of the planet. But we do not forget that the young of today will be the elders of tomorrow, so all hopes remain open.

London Subculture & Protest 1979–1981 is out now on Café Royal Books.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Latest on Huck

Analogue Appreciation: Emma-Jean Thackray
Analogue Appreciation

Analogue Appreciation: Emma-Jean Thackray

Weirdo — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. Today, multi-instrumentalist and Brownswood affiliate Emma-Jean Thackray.

Written by: Emma-Jean Thackray

Meet the shop cats of Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district
Culture

Meet the shop cats of Hong Kong’s Sheung Wan district

Feline good — Traditionally adopted to keep away rats from expensive produce, the feline guardians have become part of the central neighbourhood’s fabric. Erica’s online series captures the local celebrities.

Written by: Isaac Muk

How trans rights activism and sex workers’ solidarity emerged in the ’70s and ’80s
Activism

How trans rights activism and sex workers’ solidarity emerged in the ’70s and ’80s

Shoulder to Shoulder — In this extract from writer Jake Hall’s new book, which deep dives into the history of queer activism and coalition, they explore how anti-TERF and anti-SWERF campaigning developed from the same cloth.

Written by: Jake Hall

A behind the scenes look at the atomic wedgie community
Culture

A behind the scenes look at the atomic wedgie community

Stretched out — Benjamin Fredrickson’s new project and photobook ‘Wedgies’ queers a time-old bullying act by exploring its erotic, extreme potential.

Written by: Isaac Muk

“Welcome to the Useless Class”: Ewan Morrison in conversation with Irvine Welsh
Culture

“Welcome to the Useless Class”: Ewan Morrison in conversation with Irvine Welsh

For Emma — Ahead of the Scottish author’s new novel, he sat down with Irvine Welsh for an in-depth discussion of its dystopic themes, and the upcoming AI “tsunami”.

Written by: Irvine Welsh

“Struggle helps people come together”: Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory
Music

“Struggle helps people come together”: Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory

Huck’s February interview — To hear more about the release of the indie darling’s first collaborative album, we caught up with her and Devra Hoff to hear about the record, motherhood in music and why the ’80s are back,

Written by: Isaac Muk

Sign up to our newsletter

Issue 81: The more than a game issue

Buy it now