Iain S. P. Reid | Manchester United & City Fans, 1976-1977
This series of photographs by the late photographer Iain S.P. Reid (1949-2000) were taken at Maine Road and Old Trafford between 1976-1977. Iain was given an arts council grant for the project which focused on the fashions and carnival atmosphere at matches.
The stunning black and white series are some of the most honest and well captured photographs of football culture, way before big money takeovers and out of reach ticket prices. The images capture the fashions, the atmosphere, and what is was like to be a match going fan in the late 1970s.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
The photographs are a vivid piece of British football history at a time when music and fashion started to spill onto the terraces. The late seventies saw the emergence of Punk and Perry Boys within the space of a couple of years, changing the style and attitude of fans across the North West of England.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
John Williams, “We were all from Wythenshawe. I’m the first one from the left. We are all Reds apart from the lad on the right. He’s a lifelong Blue!”
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
“The chief interest in the body of work was the way in which the football supporters of Manchester United and Manchester City used to dress and treat the whole match as if it were a carnival. Despite all the press reports, there was very little violence, and the fans helpful in assisting with the project. They were always aware of the angle I was taking with the work. I carried around copies of the photos that I was going to use to show them that I was not exploiting them or misrepresenting them in any way.” – Iain S.P Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Photo © Iain S.P. Reid.
Gallery first published 21st January, 2018. © Iain S.P. Reid / British Culture Archive. All rights reserved.
All images © Iain S. P. Reid, all rights reserved. No usage or reproduction of any kind without prior permission of the copyright holder.
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