GAVIN WATSON - OH! WHAT FUN WE HAD

GAVIN WATSON - OH! WHAT FUN WE HAD

 

Published by Damiani, 2019
Hardcover, pages
X cm
Language: English
Condition:

 

Oh! What Fun We Had is the latest monograph by British photographer Gavin Watson, renowned for his in-depth exploration of skinhead and youth subcultures. Following his earlier works, Skins (1994) and Skins & Punks (2008), Watson delves deeper into his extensive archive, presenting a fresh, more intimate perspective on the skinhead culture and its role in shaping British youth identity from the late '70s to the mid-'80s.

 

The book, which takes its title from the iconic Madness song, challenges the widely held stereotype of skinheads and council estate residents as problematic figures, while preserving the rebellious and subversive spirit of the youth cult. Watson’s images capture both the defiant and playful sides of this community, offering a candid, humanizing portrayal of a group often misunderstood.

Growing up in a council estate in High Wycombe, Watson began photographing his younger brother Neville and their group of friends—the ‘Wycombe Skins’—who were part of the working-class skinhead culture, bonded by their love of ska music and distinctive fashion. While skinhead style in the 1970s became associated with far-right extremism, Watson’s photographs document a more inclusive and racially diverse scene, where music, friendship, and fun were at the heart of the culture.

In addition to the documentary value of Watson’s work, Oh! What Fun We Had stands as a cultural artifact, offering a glimpse into the early days of the DIY party scene in London, capturing the energy of the time with raw honesty and warmth. The images also provide a direct link to the development of rave culture, influencing both youth fashion and music in the years that followed.

 

A poignant reminder that even in times of hardship, joy and camaraderie persist, Oh! What Fun We Had is a vital contribution to understanding the social fabric of British youth culture, presented through Watson’s signature lens of authenticity and humanity. Whether for fans of subculture photography or those interested in the history of music and fashion, this book is a compelling visual testament to an unforgettable era.