Mick Jones | Sheffield, 1969-1970
Mick Jones was born and raised in Sheffield. Growing up on Park Hill he enrolled on a Graphic Design course at Sheffield College of Art in 1968. As part of his course work he was asked to photograph his home city of Sheffield.
During 1969-1970 he came ‘down from the hill’ and let loose with his camera, he captured what he knew – the daily lives of the ordinary people of his home city. Mick’s photos of Sheffield are a stunning time capsule of the era and a brief insight into a world that now seems so distant.
Photo © Mick Jones.
The distinctive feature of Park Hill Flats is its brutalist design, characterised by concrete frames and vibrant, colouful panels. The original concept aimed to create a vertical community, with interconnected walkways and communal spaces fostering a sense of collective living. The development was seen as a progressive solution to the post-war housing crisis, providing modern amenities and spacious flats for the residents.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
The Suedehead subculture was a transitional phase between the Mod and Skinhead subcultures, characterised by a grown-out skinhead hairstyle and sometimes long sideboards. Suedeheads embraced a diverse range of music genres, including soul, reggae, and ska.
“It was a time of mods and rockers, skins and suedes – a bit of a rough and ready time for some, but there was hope for a brighter, more modern future. Sheffield has never wallowed in nostalgia, it has always been a progressive city – but often it’s important to look back and reflect, to see how the city and its people have changed.”
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Photo © Mick Jones.
Gallery first published 9th November, 2020.
© Mick Jones / British Culture Archive. All rights reserved.
All images © Mick Jones, all rights reserved. No usage or reproduction of any kind without prior permission of the copyright holder.
READ NEXT
SUPPORT BCA
British Culture Archive is an independent archive and cultural resource that was set up through a genuine passion for photography. Since 2017, we have supported British photography by publishing and exhibiting works from photographers and by unearthing and giving a global platform to previously unseen photography.
Our online galleries and exhibitions will always be free for everyone. Public support and funding is vital for us to continue documenting and preserving important photography. If you appreciate the work we do, please consider making a donation through the link provided below.