The Graphics of Punk

About

The exhibition forms part of a year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of the punk movement. It will feature record sleeves and posters from the seminal bands of the time, including The Sex Pistols God Save The Queen, designed by Jamie Reid (1977) and the Great Rock'n'Roll Swindle poster designed by M. Hirsh (1979). The exhibition also includes the graphics of The Clash, The Buzzcocks and The Damned.

A number of key underground alternative magazines forms a part of the exhibition, giving an authentic insight into other ways which the graphics of punk were used at the time. The 1970s was a decade full of outrage and agitation.  Both Oz magazine and IT (International Times) were prosecuted for obscenity in 1970, and were found guilty.  Spare Rib took up the cause of women's liberation and drew widespread criticism from the establishment. The underground press supported causes such as immigration, abortion, squatters and the miners' struggle. These radical campaigns draw a visual parallel between the political climate of the time and its punk graphics aesthetics. 

The Graphics of Punk exhibition is placed as part of the Museum’s permanent display. The significant impact and outrage the punk era caused can be explored by seeing it in context of the Museum’s historical narrative of graphics.

The Museum will also be hosting various events themed around typography and fashion, to coincide with the exhibition.

·      Talk: Never Mind the Typography with Sarah Hyndman, author of Why Fonts Matter – Tuesday 15th November 2016, 7pm

Find out how typography gave the angst and rebellion of Punk a voice that exploded in a riot of letterforms and demanded to be heard. See how a typeface gave Obama’s words the clarity and impact to change history. Learn how your choice of font can empower your words and become the soapbox for your rallying cry. A typeface gives a cause or movement a recognisable voice that inspires ideas, ensures its message is listened to, and empowers its words to make a difference.  

Graphic designer, author and public speaker, Sarah Hyndman will explain what the voices of change and rebellion look like against the backdrop of history. Seeing them in the context of the era reveals the full impact they had at the time, and demonstrates how a font can become the catalyst for change.

Sarah Hyndman is the author of Why Fonts Matter and the founder of Type Tasting, which is involved in research into the psychology of typography. Sarah is on a mission to make typography accessible and exciting for everybody, not just designers. She specialises in making the complex topic accessible with originality, humour and plenty of audience participation. Tickets £10 including entry to the Museum.

Ticket link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/never-mind-the-typography-tickets-27511667137

·      Workshop: Experimental Fashion Illustration: With Stuart McKenzie - Saturday 29th November 2016, 11-4pm

Join fashion illustrator Stuart McKenzie, author of Creative Fashion Illustration and previous Studio Assistant at Vivienne Westwood, for an afternoon of experimental and attitude-filled fashion illustration activities inspired by the Museum’s ‘Graphics of Punk’ exhibition. Participants will leave with new creative skills and bundles of drawings perfect for portfolio building. The full day workshop costs £20 including booking fee.

Booking link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/experimental-fashion-illustration-tickets-27571760879