Blitz and Beyond
Description
An exclusive, definitive visual and narrative account of the New Romantic movement from a photographer who was there.
While many musical styles have been labeled 'post-punk,' the New Romantic movement transcended the 'no future' ethos of the late 1970s like no other. In the dimly lit bars of Soho, a group of extravagant youths emerged, dressed in flamboyant and striking attire - ushering in a cultural moment that would define a generation.
Photographer Graham Smith was at its core, capturing over 500 extraordinary images that reveal this vibrant, groundbreaking scene in unparalleled detail.
This book offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes perspective on a movement that visually shaped a decade and left a lasting influence on music and fashion. Featuring a brazen text by Chris Sullivan and exclusive forewords boy George, Gary Kemp, and the late Steve Strange, this is the definitive photographic and narrative record of one of the most creative, bohemian, and influential movements of the late twentieth century.
More details
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Graham Smith - aged 18, in the midst of the punk explosion, Graham Smith picked up a camera. He would spend the next six years photographing bands, most of them his mates and contemporaries, becoming unofficial house photographer to the burgeoning London nightclub scene. During this period he also designed the record sleeves, posters and flyers for many of the scene's bands and clubs.
Concurrently DJing and running one-nighters with fellow DJ Robert Elms and promoter Chris Sullivan at the St. Moritz and Le Kilt, followed by a residency as DJ at the original Fridge in Brixton.
Graham went on to have a career as an award winning magazine art director and graphic designer. In 2025 he had photographs and designs displayed in London's Design Museum exhibition Blitz: The club that shaped the 80s along with the National Portrait Gallery's The Face Magazine: Culture Shift exhibition.
