Rock Against Racism, 1976–1981 | Syd Shelton (SIGNED COPIES)

SIGNED BY SYD SHELTON

Syd Shelton is a Yorkshire-born photographer who, among other projects, documented, and was an active participant in, the Rock Against Racism movement. He saw his photographs as a graphic act pitched against prevailing (and rising) racist attitudes and produced on behalf of marginalised communities. As well as his photographic work, Shelton also helped design the RAR magazine, Temporary Hoarding, and produce other graphic material for the cause. His work was hugely impactful at a time when political and racial tension in Britain reached breaking point. It still resonates powerfully today in times that, heartbreakingly, aren't too different.

This beautiful, large format hardback book from Rare Bird presents a stunning collection of Shelton's work produced between '76 and '81, including, as recounted by founder Red Saunders in his afterword 'Sihk seniors marching in Walsall, in the West Midlands, Black and White crowds confronting Nazis in South London, high energy Punk bands joining Reggae bands'. There is a crackling energy in these images, a feeling of possibility, of action and solidarity, of a future. Syd Shelton played a huge role in the Rock Against Racism, and these photos, shot on black and white, capture perfectly the dramatic change the movement made to British society.

Includes an introduction by curator and cultural historian Mark Sealy, a preface by British author and academic Carol Tulloch, and essay by English sociologist and cultural studies scholar Paul Gilroy, and an interview with Syd Shelton

Size: 247 x338mm (hardback)

Pages: 187

Publisher: Rare Bird