To those among us who have read up on the commune-like creative powerhouses driven by the club scene in the 1980s Derek Ridgers will need no introduction.

In a similar way to which Jeffrey Hinton constantly documented the myriad of people and events taking place in clubs such as Leigh Bowery’s notorious Taboo, Derek Ridgers was photographing everyone from the Warren Street squat residents and club kids (including Boy George and Princess Julia), to those who have not yet taken their place in the much referenced annals of popular culture.

The real aesthetic champions from the flowering tribes of the 80s; whether they were punks, post-punks, goths, new romantics, teddy boys, mods or bikers, all had the highest level of interest for Derek, rather than the club personas actively seeking their 15 minutes in the spotlight.

His latest photography book, 78-87 London Youth, captured beautifully across the span of ten years, bridges the extremities of street level youth-culture; from punk through to the birth of ecstasy driven acid house. The pictures serve not only as a fascinating document of groundbreaking British style and culture but as a testament to the spirit of youth and the individuality which defined a generation.

This book offers us the chance to see the changing faces of fashion, music and those interweaving subcultures which were created and inhabited through individuals and influential social scenes, in a time where DIY attitudes powered all areas of creative and social life.

Regular updates from Derek are often posted on his blog here, also watch out for exclusive background stories behind many of his groundbreaking images.

Derek Ridgers: 78-87 London Youth
Available to buy now at the Roundel Kiosk at Dover Street Market, London or online

Images can also be seen as part of Jeffrey Hinton’s Club to Catwalk exhibition which runs until 16th February 2014 at the V&A, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL