George Wilson | Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s

It was in the early 1980s when photographer George Wilson had the perfect job to document daily life at Cain’s – an amusement arcade on the seafront of Herne Bay, Kent.

George, a graduate of Newport’s documentary photography course under David Hurn worked as a Bingo Caller for two seasons. He used this opportunity to capture daily life in the arcade, when day trippers and locals would flock to the Kent resort. It’s an incredible look at a British arcade during the early 1980s, one that will resonate with many who grew up or raised families during this era.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

A Graduate of Newport documentary photography course; George worked in the Arcade as a Bingo Caller whilst documenting daily life in the arcade. “I wasn’t interested in the games or machines, it’s always about the people.” – George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Cain's Amusement Arcade. Herne Bay, 1980s.
Cain's Amusement Arcade, 1980s.

Photo © George Wilson.

Gallery first published 14th February, 2022.

© George Wilson / British Culture Archive. All rights reserved.

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All images © George Wilson, all rights reserved. No usage or reproduction of any kind without obtaining prior permission of the copyright holder. 

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