Punk today exists as a global phenomenon however, in the 1970s London was seen to epitomise this rebellious subculture. After a brief stint managing the New York Dolls at the end of their career in the US, Englishman Malcolm McLaren returned to London in May 1975. With Vivienne Westwood, he started a clothing store called SEX, which was instrumental in creating the radical punk clothing style. He also began managing The Swankers, who would soon become the Sex Pistols. The Sex Pistols soon created a strong cult following in London. By the end of 1976, Punk was in full swing, many Sex Pistols fans had formed their own bands, including The Clash, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Adverts, Generation X, The Slits and X-Ray Spex.
The Michael Hoppen Gallery were invited by REX SHUTTERSTOCK to explore their extraordinary archive of press photography and have selected a group of images that capture the energy of Punk in 1970s Britain. Fabulously distressed, the prints have an object quality and an energy that encapsulates the movement.
IMAGE © REX SHUTTERSTOCK
