Skinhead

by Nick Knight

Traces the development of the skinhead movement in England, describes the characteristics and behavior of these gangs, and explains their attitudes towards school, the police, and the government

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Art

114 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 1982

About the author

Nick Knight is among the world’s most influential and visionary photographers, and founder and director of award-winning fashion website SHOWstudio.com. As a fashion photographer, he has consistently challenged conventional notions of beauty and is fêted for his groundbreaking creative collaborations with leading designers including Yohji Yamamoto, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen. Advertising campaigns for the most prestigious clients such as Christian Dior, Lancôme, Swarovski, Levi Strauss, Calvin Klein or Yves Saint Laurent as well as award-winning editorial for W, British Vogue, Paris Vogue, Dazed & Confused, Another, Another Man and i-D magazines have consistently kept Knight at the vanguard of progressive image-making for the past three decades. His first book of photographs, Skinheads, was published in 1982. He has since produced Nicknight, a twelve year retrospective, and Flora, a series of flower pictures, both published by Schirmer Mosel. His work has been exhibited at such international art institutions as the Victoria & Albert Museum, Saatchi Gallery, the Photographers' Gallery and Hayward Gallery. In 1993, he also produced a permanent installation, Plant Power, for the Natural History Museum in London.

A long-standing commitment to experimenting with the latest technologies led to Knight launching his fashion website SHOWstudio in 2000, with an aim, in Knight's own words, of 'showing the entire creative process from conception to completion.' SHOWstudio has pioneered fashion film and is now recognised as the leading force behind this new medium, offering a unique platform to nurture and encourage fashion to engage with moving image in the digital age. Since its inception, SHOWstudio has worked with the world’s most sought-after filmmakers, writers and influential cultural figures to create visionary online content, exploring every facet of fashion through moving image, illustration, photography and the written word.

Knight lives with his wife and three children in London.

Reviews

[Alfred Von Frankenstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on a subject most people associate with Nazis and Faschism. The movement started as working class kids listening to Ska and Reggae. The illustrations are great ,the photos are cool also. ALL SKINS ARE NOT NAZIS --Ever heard of Trojan Records,S.H.A.R.P? Anyway off my soapbox. I am sure I just pissed off 3 Million rednecks across the country. Oh yeah Arsenal Football rules OK?

[Tyff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still one of the best skinhead books ever published... back in the 80s we used this as our fashion and music manual since the scene barely existed... If you want to see a nice snapshot of early British skinheads check this book out....

[Umi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hate to sound like I’m looking down my nose at them from my lofty perch at the Formica table of an eccentrically-themed soho espresso bar but I always thought of skinheads as sort of illiterate and the reviews here unfortunately seem to bear that out... and actually maybe the book does too, the best bit was the illustrations like halfway through...

[Becky Dock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Night's book provides a well rounded overview into skinhead culture. It gives a nice introduction on the the subculture's origins, then follows it's progression through to the 1980's. It's pleasing to see is a section on female skins, as often they're sidelined in analysis of subcultures.Illustrations mapping the evolution of fashion are also a very nice feature.
A critical comment I'd like to make, especially if at all planning to use this book as an academic source is that there really isn't enough footnoting or citing of sources. However if you are intending to use this book to give a nice base start you can't really go wrong.

[Stay Fetters · Rating 4 out of 5]

When people hear the term Skinhead, they automattically think of Nazis and Fascism. And they are futher from the actual truth.
This very informative book about the Skins', what they stand for and listen to, i think people who need to know should read this.
Goes into detail about who they are as a group in the UK, what they wear, think and even listen to.
Skinhead girls are always one of the most gorgeous creatures on the planet.

[- MALAKHI- · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book ... lot's of good info for the oft uninitiated or mis-informed.Lot's o'PiXxX

[Amalia]

Agyness Deyn suggests!

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best one volume spice on skinhead culture, it’s origins, and politics.

[Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

A classic.. belongs to every books collection about Skinhead cult…