Punk 1976 - 78
The British Library
How do we "commemorate" the punk movement of 1976/77? It's been the topic of much debate on the arts pages this year and the British Library's free exhibition immediately raises a chuckle with its big sign that reads "No Photography". Presumably spitting is okay?
Having said that, it's a well-curated if small exhibition and a must for music fans. The sleeve gallery of 7" single artwork is particularly good and there's a continuous loop screen of the Bill Grundy incident with the Sex Pistols cussing on live TV, still thrilling and still hilarious. Here's the BL's intro…
Starting with the impact of the Sex Pistols in 1976, the exhibition explores punk’s early days in the capital and reveals how its remarkable influence spread across music, fashion, print and graphic styles nationwide. Showcasing a range of fanzines, flyers, recordings and record sleeves from the British Library’s collections alongside rare material from the archives held at Liverpool John Moores University, including items from England's Dreaming: The Jon Savage Archive, it celebrates the enduring influence of punk as a radical musical, artistic and political movement.
The exhibition contains adult content.
The British Library
96 Euston Road
NW1 2DB
Exhibition runs to 2nd October 2016
The Rock'n'Roll London walk is ONLY London Walk with its own dedicated comic book! Written by Rock'n'Roll London guide (and Daily Constitutional editor Adam) you can a copy on this afternoon's walking tour. It's also available in both print & digital formats at the London Bookstore online: londonbookstore.myshopify.com
A London Walk costs £10 – £8 concession. To join a London Walk, simply meet your guide at the designated tube station at the appointed time. Details of all London Walks can be found at www.walks.com