Rivington Place
London
RE2A 3BA
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The first major exhibition of Syd Shelton’s photographs capturing one of the most intriguing and contradictory political periods in British post war history. Between 1976 and 1981, the movement Rock Against Racism (RAR) confronted racist ideology in the streets, parks and town halls of Britain. RAR was formed by a collective of musicians and political activists to fight fascism and racism through music.
Under the slogan 'Love Music, Hate Racism', it showcased reggae and punk bands on the same stage, attracting large multicultural audiences. At a time when the fascist attitudes of the National Front were gaining support, RAR marked the rising resistance to violent and institutionalised racism.
Syd Shelton is a British photographer and graphic designer. He has worked in Europe, Australia and the United States. He co-edited and was art director of a series of photographic books: 24 Hours in Los Angeles (1984), the award winning Day in the Life of London (1984) and Ireland: A Week in the Life of a Nation (1986). His work was recently included in the exhibition Words, Sound and Power: Reggae Changed My Life at The British Music Experience: Britain’s Museum of Popular Music, O2 Arena, London (2012) and The Photographer’s Gallery exhibition The World in London.
AUTOGRAPH
Rivington Place
London
EC2A 3BA
Opening Times
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Closed
11am - 6pm
11am - 6pm
11am - 9pm
11am - 6pm
12 noon - 6pm
Closed
VISITOR CONTACT
T: 020 7749 1240
E: info@rivingtonplace.org
Banner images: Syd Shelton, Specials Fans, RAR Carnival Against the Nazis, Leeds, 1981. 2) Rock Against Racism exhibition installation at Autograph, London. Photograph: Zoe Maxwell. 3) Syd Shelton Bagga, vocalist with Matumbi,
Hackney, London, 1978. 4) Syd Shelton, Mick Jones and Paul Simonon,
The Clash, London 1977. 5) Syd Shelton, Tulse Hill Comprehensive School, Brixton, London, 1976.
Autograph is a place to see things differently. Since 1988, we have championed photography that explores issues of race, identity, representation, human rights and social justice, sharing how photographs reflect lived experiences and shape our understanding of ourselves and others.