Fan of the punk era? Then you will not want to miss the British Library’s latest exhibition Punk 1976-78 , which opens to the public on the 13th May.
This new and free exhibition at the British Library looks at the level of impact that punk has had on music, fashion and design across the UK between the years 1976-1978.
The display coincides with the 40th anniversary of punk, exploring its roots in the French Situationist movement and New York City art-rock scene through to the rise and fall of the Sex Pistols, from their scandalous live appearance on early-evening TV programme Today to the furore around their alternative jubilee anthem God Save the Queen.
Punk 1976-1978 will also consider how the phenomenon of punk transformed British music into something with a bit more edge and radical, playing a vital part in the increase of independent music.
By using the library’s extensive archives, the exhibition (held in the British Library’s entrance hall gallery space) will feature a wide range of rare fanzines, unique flyers, exclusive audio recordings and original record sleeves, many of which have never been on public display before.
Meanwhile, Punk 1976-1978 will also include material from the UK’s biggest punk-related archive held at Liverpool John Moores University, showcasing rare posters, ephemera and clothing.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of events, including an evening with John Lydon lead singer of the Sex Pistols.
Andy Linehan, Curator of Popular Music Recordings at the British Library, commented: “Forty years ago punk had a huge impact on many aspects of British culture and continues to do so today, so we’re excited to dedicate an exhibition to it – featuring music, film, magazines and fanzines, record sleeves and more. Punk 1976-78 showcases the British Library’s unique collection of contemporary culture, as well as celebrating a phenomenon that spread across the nation and changed our cultural landscape.”
Punk 1976-1978 will be on display at the British Library from the 13th May until the 2nd October 2016.