Kid Gloves
Established in 1884, the Repton Boys boxing Club was founded in Bethnal Green in the heart of London's east end as a mission for underprivileged children. The club has moved three times from it's original position, but has never strayed from it's roots.
Moors and Christians
The Moors and Christians Festival of Alcoy, in honor of Saint George. On the second day of the day festival affiliated groups decked out in medieval costume as Moors or Christians fiesta on the streets and in the bars of Alcoy, in honor of Saint George.
Feasts and Tides
On May 25, 2020, in the midst of the Corona-Virus Pandemic in the UK, and following an easing of some of the most severe lockdown restrictions, I headed to Southend-on-Sea, in an attempt to capture this unique moment in time. Mindful of the negative portrayal that English seaside resorts often receive by the media, I wanted to create a snapshot, a sort of time capsule, while avoiding as much as possible the cliche of tattoos and sunburns.These photos offer a glimpse of local people and visitors, who had traveled by train and car the short trip from London, to get some much needed sea air. By the end of May many of them, old and young, had been ‘cooped up’ for over a month without the luxury of gardens, and were desperate to get out, and ‘be beside the seaside’. The atmosphere was palpable as temperatures reached 25c (hot for May) and by midday coast guards had already reported several people in trouble. The mudflats of Southend-on-Sea, situated on the Thames estuary, are notorious, and people often don’t take sufficient account of the low tides, which can extend them out for 300 meters. Southend-on-Sea was once given the somewhat unkind nickname of ‘East-end-on-Mud’ by Punch magazine, also a reference to Southend's long association with the working people from the East End of London and working class culture in general.
Covid Times - The last of the family owned F. Cooke Pie and Mash shops in London.
The last of the F. Cooke Pie and Mash shops in London. October 2020. The effects of Coronavirus have been clearly devastating to the nations health and the UK economy, Leaving pubs bars and cafés in working class areas particularly hard hit.
Black Lives Matter - UK
In London June 2020 protesters took part in demonstrations in support of Black Lives Matter (BLM) and in response to to the killing of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis on 25 May 2021.
'Inna Dancehall Style
Inna Dancehall Style captures the extraordinary exuberance and creativity of Jamaican dancehall. A massively influential subcultural scene, it was raw, sensual and at times even bombastic, with an edginess born on the streets of the capital, Kingston. Dancehall music would eventually achieve worldwide prominence and notoriety, as would its fashion with bespoke boutique and homespun outfits. The early 90s was arguably its golden era and my photos cover the years of 1990 and 1994, mainly at The House of Leo Stone Love sessions on Cargill Avenue, and the Topline club at Southdale Plaza. Also included are a small set of UK Dancehall photos taken in London In 1993 on assignment for The Guardian and The Sunday Times respectfully. Images from my collection have also been published in numerous books including Reggae Xplosion (Virgin books, 2001), Lloyd Bradley’s Reggae: The Story of Jamaican Music, ( BBC, 2002), Black Style (V&A, 2004), Street Style by Ted Polheums (PYMCA, 2010), Sound System: The Story Of Jamaican Music by Chris Salewicz and Adrian Boot (2012 ) and On The Dance Floor (A24, November 2022). In addition, two diptychs and a single image from the my collection were acquired by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in 2015.
Chelsea Flower Show - Great Plant Sell-Off
The Chelsea Flower Show was Back in its regular slot of May for the first time since 2019, after being cancelled in 2020 and moved to September for 2021 due to the pandemic.
The Queens Platinum Jubilee.
The Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations were from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June 2022, when members of the public celebrated her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 70 years as Sovereign.
Gay Pride, Soho London 50th anniversary
Gay Pride London, the UK’s biggest LGBTQ+ celebration returned to the capitals streets after a two years absence due to Covid - to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The after party continued in Soho, which is the home of London's main gay and LGBTQ scene.
Notting Hill Carnival 2022
Notting Hill Carnival is back after a hiatus of two years due to the pandemic. The streets were packed with revellers, there to celebrate the biggest Caribbean festival in Europe.
'Bitter-Sweet Harvest' - Sugar workers in Jamaica.
In 2003 I had the opportunity of photographing the burning and harvesting of the sugar cane on the Caymanas Estate in St Catherine Jamaica.
Sound System Culture Jamaica & UK 1986–88
In 1986 I embarked on the first of many trips to Jamaica. A selection of images from this set are published in Café Royal Books. "Sound System & Culture Jamaica & UK 1986-88".
Racetrack Warriors
Since 1986 I've had a long with Caymanas Park, the last surviving horse racing track in Jamaica. I managed to revisited it in 2013-16 and once again gained behind-the-scenes access. This time swapping black n white film for digital colour.