Gavin Watson’s book SKINS is out this week - I picked my copy up today in Blackwell’s.
From start to finish even if you were not part of the skinhead scene, you cannot help but become swept up in the waves of nostalgia. However, SKINS offers far more than this. When you consider that Watson had no formal film or photography training his talent and creativity are only emphasised even more.
Watson, unlike some others who have produced skinhead literature before him, was actually part of the scene. Therefore, you don’t get the feeling that you are being presented with a re-packaged and abstract view of skinhead culture. It may also be said that as an ex-skinhead myself, I’m biased and would say that. This is not so. I am not known for massaging male egos, working-class or otherwise. If I thought this book was tripe I would say so. In fact it is an excellent journey through the late 70s and early 80s skinhead youth culture, told in amazing black and white photography. An absolute must.
From start to finish even if you were not part of the skinhead scene, you cannot help but become swept up in the waves of nostalgia. However, SKINS offers far more than this. When you consider that Watson had no formal film or photography training his talent and creativity are only emphasised even more.
Watson, unlike some others who have produced skinhead literature before him, was actually part of the scene. Therefore, you don’t get the feeling that you are being presented with a re-packaged and abstract view of skinhead culture. It may also be said that as an ex-skinhead myself, I’m biased and would say that. This is not so. I am not known for massaging male egos, working-class or otherwise. If I thought this book was tripe I would say so. In fact it is an excellent journey through the late 70s and early 80s skinhead youth culture, told in amazing black and white photography. An absolute must.