Skins [Paperback]

Gavin Watson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2001

This book is much more than a collection of skinhead images. It is a celebration of youth. Perhaps one of the most reviled yet misunderstood of all the youth subcultures, the skinhead look originated back in the 60s as a simple fashion statement. Sartorially proud of their working class roots, the original skinhead was a multicultural, politically broad-minded and fashion-aware individual. Favorite music was reggae, soul and ska and key artists included Desmond Dekker, Max Romeo and The Pyramids. Their choice of immaculate clothing and invariably Dr. Martens boots was the ultimate anti-fashion statement and a badge of both power and pride. Above all else, genuine skinheads were obsessed with their presentation. The 70s saw the look adopted by the scurge of right-wing extremists and for many years was a fashion pariah. However, towards the end of the 90s, the closely cropped look has been championed by a whole new generation of high profile celebrities, including David Beckham and Ewan McGregor, bringing skinhead style back into the mainstream once again.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A modern classic. -- The Times

From the Publisher

Gavin Watson's critically acclaimed photography of late 70s skinheads perfectly captures a snapshot of this unique youth culture. The scores of black and white shots offer a fascinating glimpse into a skinhead community that was multicultural, tightly knit and above all else, fiercely proud of their look. These are classic photographs of historical value.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Olmstead Press (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1587540169
• ISBN-13: 978-1587540165
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 7.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,093,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars 5 good photos out of 144, December 18, 2000

By 

A. Ross (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Skins (Paperback)

This collection of 144 black and white photos is, according to the cover, "a collection of potent images... which perfectly captures the essence of the skinhead cult..." of the late '70s and early '80s in Wycombe. The vast majority of the pictures are fairly dull snaps of various skins in either tough or "taking the piss" poses, which probably aren't of interest to anyone who doesn't know them. The few that stand out as quite good pieces of photography are as follows:

--"Product of the Environment" on page 15 is a brilliant and chilling composition of two sullen 10-12 year old skinhead boys sitting on wall under "NF Skins" graffiti.

--"The Mission" is a cute snap of a young skin in a crombie contrasting heavily against the a group of white-robed black churchladies.

--"Part of the Union" on page 58 is a great shot taken from below of one skin holding something and a blurry skin in a Union Jack t-shirt standing above him.

--"England Expects" on page 91 is another great show taken from down low, it shows a bulldog's head next to the head of a skin with a tattooed neck, with the tower at Trafalgar Square looming above them.

--"Gretch Having None of It" on page 109 shows two skinheads walking away from the camera down a dark, wet cobblestone street with a bulldog contrasting in the foreground.

It would have been nice if there were a lot less photos and some more context in the form of notes. Quite a number of the photos show Nazi paraphanalia, graffiti, and salutes, it would have been nice for the author to put this in some sort of context, especially in light of the photos that show black classmates and Asians in the community. Seeing as how it's basically one guy's photo album, it's definitely a book of limited interest. It should also be noted that the printing of the book is pretty low quality.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Big up!!!! Watson Hit the Town!!!, December 31, 2001

By 

Lawrence Ytzhak Braithwaite - See all my reviews

This review is from: Skins (Paperback)

Don't watch that one!!! Watch this One!!!!!Gavin Watson is true. The cover of Watson's Skins shows the sadly ignored by Dr. Martin anniversary add. But as Dr. Martin lost
the opportunity to show the true nature of their years of success we are graced with with Watson's one man conviction to show
the passion of a youth movement which stepped heavy like Rudebwoys in it's rebellion. Watson shows and proves the Skin
movement and it's original multi-cultural appeal to young working-class males of all cultures.
Now, Hip hop and rap has the same appeal for youth who wish to break cultural barriers and run with the rebels. But this rabble
of rudeness came first. One can only hope that for this generation that they will have a dedicated chronicler with a swift righteous
eye like Watson to tell their true tale. Watson rides again!!!!!!!

4.0 out of 5 stars Achtung, September 11, 2008

By 

Benjamin S (australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Skins (Paperback)

hey its a bunch of photos of skinheads in the early 80's...Not bad, I like it. The skinhead look is after all timeless and smart! Of course in the last 20 plus years tattoos have certainly improved. Well worth having I believe. However Im sure it can be found for a far more modest price than seventy bucks! Oh dear...