A portrait of black British life in the ’70s

A new photography show looking at life in Britain’s black communities during the ’70s and early ’80s is coming to London this weekend.

The exhibition, titled Back In The Day, will spotlight 25 images that address the politics of race and representation in the UK. It is tied to the upcoming release of Idris Elba’s directorial debut Yardie –which follows the story of a young Jamaican man in ’80s London as he attempts to avenge the death of his brother.

All of the shots featured in the show will be supplied by Autograph – a Hackney-based arts charity which aims to explore “cultural identity, human rights and social justice” through the use of visual arts. Photographers featured include Bandele ‘Tex’ Ajetunmobi, Raphael Albert, Armet Francis, Colin Jones, Neil Kenlock, Dennis Morris, Charlie Philips, and Syd Shelton.

Back In The Day will run at Hackney Picturehouse from August 18 to September 2.

Colin Jones, Untitled, from the series The Black House, 1973-1976

Armet Francis, Fashion Shoot, Brixton Market, London, 1973.

Colin Jones, Untitled, from the series The Black House, 1973-1976

Raphael Albert, Miss Black & Beautiful Sybil McLean with fellow contestants, Hammersmith Palais, London, 1972

Colin Jones, Jamaica, late 1970s

Colin Jones, Untitled, from the series The Black House, 1973-1976

Colin Jones, Untitled, from the series The Black House, 1973-1976

Raphael Albert, Miss Black & Beautiful contest, Hammersmith, London, 1970s

Tex Ajentunmobi, Untitled, East End, London, 1970s

Back in the Day: The Autograph Archive will be on show at the Hackney Picturehouse from August 18 to September 2.

Yardie will be in cinemas August 31. Special nationwide preview screenings, including a live satellite Q&A with Idris Elba, take place on August 23.

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