Rivington Place
London
RE2A 3BA
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Nine short films featuring rare footage of Brixton during the 1960s to 1980s by Clovis Salmon, aka ‘Sam The Wheels’.
A self-taught filmmaker, Salmon began filming his neighbourhood in Brixton in 1959. His unique archive of Super 8 celluloid films includes church and community events, activism, local struggles and the aftermath of the 1981 Brixton Riots.
Clovis Salmon (b. 1930s, Jamaica) was among the first generation of migrants from the West Indies to settle in the United Kingdom, arriving in London in November 1954. Having run his own bike shop in Jamaica, he joined Holdsworth Cycle Co. as a bicycle repair man and soon became known as ‘Sam the Wheels‘.
This exhibition is presented in partnership with 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning, London. All works © Clovis Salmon AKA ‘Sam The Wheels’, courtesy of 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning.
Special thanks to Lucy Davies for her ongoing support and commitment. Thanks also to Mutiny Arts (AKA George Butler and Tom Keene) who were the co-producers of the original ‘Sam the Wheels’ project in 2008 and with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund initiated the digitisation of his work.
Images: Clovis Salmon, Aftermath of the Brixton Riot, 1981. Film still, from Somerleyton 6. 3) Clovis Salmon, Baptism. Film still, from Ministers & Church. 4) Clovis Salmon, Film still, from Fays Wedding.
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.