British photographer Derek Ridgers’ will be signing copies of his latest offering tonight at The Photographers’ Gallery. 

Less a book, more a document of subculture and tribalism, Skinheads 1979–1984 follows on from the likes of Ridgers’ much acclaimed 78-87 London Youth in a continued exploration of the music, film and club culture undercurrents that have helped shaped British youth over the past thirty decades.

The book’s concept was formed purely through chance, as whilst in the process of documenting the nascent New Romantics scene in London a bunch of Skinheads saw Ridgers and invited him to photograph them instead. An instant rapport was formed and Ridgers was invited to follow the group on one of their seaside jaunts.

This led to a lengthy five year photographic study of the Skinhead movement in Britain, between 1979 and 1984. A preoccupation with subcultural movements translates into this striking body of work, providing a portal in to the intimate camaraderie of one of Britain’s most iconic – and at times infamous – subcultures.

Getting down to it, Ridgers’ greatest skill lies in his ability to reveal the raw normal-ness of his subjects, regardless of iconography or hype – and it’s this that resonates in the visceral reality of his images, regardless of how familiar you may or may not be with his work.

Head down tonight, meet grab yourself a copy and, in the eternal words of The Specials, “enjoy yourself”.

And fear not – if you can’t make it down you get your hands on a signed copy by preordering from The Photographers’ Gallery here, or get in touch with the gallery’s bookshop. And for those thirsty for more, be sure to check out Ridgers’ regularly updated blog for news and further insights into his work.

Derek Ridgers: Skinheads 1979 – 1984 launch and book signing tonight, Thursday 21st August from 6.30-8pm at The Photographers’  Gallery, 16-18 Ramillies St, London W1F 7LW