Description
Book Synopsis"Skins by Gavin Watson has been argued as being 'the single most important record' of 1970s skinhead culture in Britain, who have possibly been one of the most reviled yet misunderstood of the nation's youth subcultures." — Daily Mail
"Gavin Watson documented his friends as they came of age at the heart of a misunderstood community." — i-D
"Gavin Watson’s cult documentary photo book Skins chronicles the radical and inclusive spirit which originally animated the emerging skinhead culture of 70s Britain." — Dazed
Skins by Gavin Watson is arguably the single most important record of '70s skinhead culture in Britain. Rightly celebrated as a true classic of photobook publishing, the book is now reissued in a high-quality new edition under close supervision from the photographer.
The scores of black and white shots offer a fascinating glimpse into a skinhead community that was multi-cultural, tightly knit and, above all else, fiercely proud of its look. These are classic photographs of historical value.
“What makes Gavin’s photos so special is that when you look at them, there’s clearly trust from the subject towards the photographer, so it feels like you’re in the photo rather than just observing.” - Shane Meadows (Director of award-winning film This Is England).
The book, described by The Times as “a modern classic”, forms an important visual record of its time and has attained cult status in the genre, alongside works by other eminent photographers such as Derek Ridgers and Nick Knight.
“Arguably one of the best and most important books about youth fashion and culture ever published.” – Vice Magazine
Trade Review"Skins by Gavin Watson has been argued as being 'the single most important record' of 1970s skinhead culture in Britain, who have possibly been one of the most reviled yet misunderstood of the nation's youth subcultures." - Daily Mail
Interview with Gavin Watson: "This book is a remarkable document of a group of kids...working class boys and girls growing up out in the suburbs—with a style, and a music, and a look, and an anger and a joy to call their own—It's called Skins and it's the photography of Gavin Watson" - BBC Robert Elms Radio Show
"Gavin Watson documented his friends as they came of age at the heart of a misunderstood community." - i-D
"Gavin Watson’s cult documentary photo book Skins chronicles the radical and inclusive spirit which originally animated the emerging skinhead culture of 70s Britain." - Dazed
"Watson's work is especially important for a number of reasons: it is, first of all, one look at the scene from inside, and therefore for sure documentary interest; also, looking at his clicks, you can examine the evolution of interests of the crew, from the punk and skinhead era up to the years of raves. " [Google translate from Italian] - Garageland
