In Pictures: The story of a London skate gang that launched a new wave of British style
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by James Edson, Daniel 'Snowy' Kinloch
At a house party in 2012, London skater Lucien Clarke got ‘PWBC’ tattooed on his bicep by a dude whose name he’s never remembered – or never knew.
But what is this mythical ‘PWBC’? It stands for ‘Palace Wayward Boys Choir’ – but it has absolutely nothing to do with singing, so that’s no help.
To clear things up, head down to Huck’s gallery, 71a for PWBC: A Retrospective, a celebration of ten glorious years of the London skate crew who ushered in a new wave of British style.
PWBC grew out of the Southbank skate scene in the mid 2000s and over time this crew of pro skaters, am skaters, terrible skaters, filmmakers, photographers, musicians, DJs, designers, writers, graffiti writers, gallerists, artists, piss-artists and troublemakers created waves that have been felt far beyond London skate spots. Using a number of scabby skate houses as incubators, the tight-knit group of mates launched the cult PWBC TV series and the now ubiquitous Palace Skateboards brand.
Palace founder Lev Tanju has created an exclusive new video installation especially for the show and it features photography from James Edson and Daniel ‘Snowy’ Kinloch which recall ten remarkable years of the PWBC and the people who made it what it is. Lucien Clarke has been a member since the very beginning and he’s launching his new Supra shoe, the Quattro Signature Colourway.
Supra presents PWBC: A Retrospective is open October 9-10, 12-6pm at 71a Gallery, Leonard Street, Shoreditch, EC2A 4QS.
You might like
The art of paying attention: How Austria’s Alps reward slowing down
Lebensgefühl — With a growing movement of art and music rooted in the area’s mountains, trees and waterfalls, the region is showcasing the importance of the human relationship to nature.
Written by: Sophie Lou Wilson
Grainy, yearning memories of Europe’s ’90s free rave heyday
Never Alone — A new photobook from Cheyenne Clementi and Valentina Morandi presents pictures they made over seven years while touring the continent as part of the Tekno Mobil Squad soundsystem crew. It archives parties, people and a lifestyle largely consigned to the past.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Queer resistance & sun-soaked solidarity at the world’s largest trans pride march
Our Future, Our Fight — Over the weekend, over 150,000 people marched at the London Trans+ Pride, with the parade ending at Trafalgar Square for the first time in history.
Written by: Ella Glossop
In photos: Black Texas life since emancipation
Kinship & Community — A new photobook and exhibition showcases the rich culture, history and community of African American folks in the Lone Star State, whose existence in the region predates colonial Britain.
Written by: Miss Rosen
London’s largest indoor skatepark to be demolished for padel courts
Better Extreme — The Barking skatepark’s fate follows that of similar indoor spaces in recent years, with operators GLL citing falling visitor numbers as the reason behind the decision.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Youthful joy & end-of-era poignancy at a London school prom
Leavers — For several years, Lewis Khan documented young people as they celebrated the last of their school days and the completion of their exams. The series is now collated in a new self-published photobook and short film.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
