This series by Debby Besford documents the scooter rally at Great Yarmouth during the May Bank Holiday weekend, when mods, skins and rockers travelled from across the UK to camp, meet and ride along the seafront on Vespas, Lambrettas and motorbikes.
The photographs were made while Debby was studying photography, and form part of an early body of work shaped by her interest in British youth culture, ska, fashion and the social lives built around music and style.
Debby: “I was captivated by these subcultures and the energy around them, especially the way people expressed identity through clothes, haircuts and customised scooters. I was also interested in ska music and fashion at the time, which really opened up my world as a photographer.”
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
"Throughout the project, I aimed to capture the essence of these young people, documenting their unique styles and camaraderie and the sense of community that emerged during these gatherings."
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Photo © Debby Besford / British Culture Archive · Licensing available
Collection published 14th July, 2023
All images © Debby Besford / BCA, all rights reserved. No usage or reproduction of any kind without prior permission of the copyright holder.
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