Summer Courtyard Party #FREE

About

#Hackney's annual summer courtyard #ART party#FREE @Elements Gallery London curated by Rebecca Feiner featuring irreverent artistic duo #QuietBritishAccent explore Mods & Rockers in their latest themed installation bringing the seaside to east London.

Examing the longstanding and peculiarly British societal and press love, of a moral panic: especially in the summer months when parliament is in recess and 'hard' news can be thin on the ground. The holiday period is referred to 'internally' by journalists and old style Fleet Street as 'the silly season'.

Touching on an early example of a 50 year old 'fake news story' or perhaps more generously seriously 'exagerated' report of trouble between Mods & Rockers and it's later real life consequences.

Against this backdrop of newly discovered by the press and the much trumpeted 'difference' and perceived 'otherness'of the two distinct youth cultures in styles of dress and tastes in music of 'Mods' and 'Rockers' the seeds were sewn. Curiosity turned to fears, sparking mutual suspicion, antagonism, and spilling over into clashes, between two groups of young people with heavy handed Police interventions. All played out over a long summer in seaside towns, conveniently accessible from London by motorbike, and scooter.

Both Mods & Rockers had their roots in London. HackneyWick was home to the internationally famous bikers/ rockers 59 Club. Originally started by the Reverend John Oates based at Eton Mission. Father William Shergold, a keen motorcyclist decided to hold a church service for motorcyclists in 1962.

Then as now, establishment hysteria is heightened whenever there is youth subcultures and more so if they have working class roots, and involves large groups of young people gathering together to overtly exhibit 'non mainstream' styles of fashion, behaviour and tastes in music.

1962 Father Shergold said "The church was full of 'Rockers'. Even some of their bikes were brought into the church to be blessed. As this had never been heard of before, the press had a field day!".

50 years on #QuietBritishAccent colourful celebratory vibe and joyful handmade seaside style bring together in happy co-existence whether a 'Face' or a 'Rocker'. Whatever tribe you are in come enjoy tasty bites, Rhythm n Blues and Rock n Roll.
Scooters, Mohair Suits, Biker Jackets, Motorcyles and circular skirts welcome or just come as you are !

See you in the courtyard X

Further info & press
contact curator Rebecca Feiner
elements@angus-hughes.com
 

Adult, Kid & Family Friendly

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