We’re keeping the dialectic open: Final week of PRINT! Tearing It Up at Somerset House
//The first vitrine contains original copies of Blast 2 (1915), Crash! 1 (1997) and gal-dem 2 (2017). Photo: @hellenelleliang//
//Enjoying browsing the magazines on the PRINT! newsstand. Photo: @jasonthien//
//Contributor Alpa Depani talking about her zine Romp with members of the New Architecture Writers group. Photo: @paul_g0rm4n//
PRINT! Tearing It Up, the exhibition about the resurgence and history of independent progressive British magazines, has entered its final week at central London’s Somerset House.
//Resistance 70s and 80s style from The Leveller and City Limits. Photo: @sisteris//
///Contributor @pavementlicker’s portrait of the arts, graphic art and illustration wall grill//
//Countercultural contributor John May during his walkround of the show. Photo: @paul_g0rm4n//
//Some of the independent music magazines on display, including P.i.X, Black Echoes, Freakbeat, Trench and Rough Trade. Photo: @niamhcassidy91//
I organised the show with Somerset House senior curator Claire Catterall, and we’ve been bowled over by the response. Attendance figures have been high and the reception to the slew of companion events, including walkrounds by contributors, talks, in-conversations and q&as, has been very encouraging.
//The fourth and final issue of literary editor Dan Franklin’s 1969 poetry quarterly Cyclops. Photo: @missemmapeelpants//
//Rough Trade magazine editor Liv Siddall points to the magazine on the PRINT! mindmap. Photo: @livsiddall//
//THIIIRD editor in chief Rhona Ezuma talks visitors through the magazine during her walkround last week. Photo: @cerihand//
To give a flavour of the show, I’ve half-inched a bunch of images from Instagram which have used the hashtag #printtearingitup – if you’re in town and have some time to spare, pop along. Attendance is free.
//The June 1970 issue of Back Dwarf used the title of Sandie Shaw’s Eurovision hit as commentary on that summer’s general election. Photo: @misspeelpants//
//Fashion editing legend Iain R. Webb loaned us precious Polaroids from one of his 80s shoots for Blitz. Photo: @geo-jenny//
//The Face – subject of my last book – features strongly in the show. Photo: @david.bickle//
// i-D founder Terry Jones loaned rare and pristine copies of the first four issues of the enduring lifestyle and fashion title. Photo: @csm_fashion16to18//
PRINT! Tearing It Up – Independent British magazines changing the world, Terrace Rooms, Somerset House, until Aug 22.