Rob Bremner | Liverpool and Merseyside, 1980s-90s

Rob Bremner’s photographs capture the mood of Liverpool during the turbulent Thatcher years. They also highlight the everyday life and positive spirit of the people: colourful and casual fashions and local characters who were proud of their city.

Rob, “It was tough times, but I found everyone to be warm and friendly. On rainy days, they would invite me in for tea. One night, I left my college Bronica in a pub after some dockers invited me for a drink. I returned the next day, and they had left it behind the bar for me. I wish I could say I was a socially aware photographer, campaigning against Thatcher’s Britain, but I just felt comfortable taking photos there and liked the people.”

Sharon and Claire by Rob Bremner.
Sharon and Claire. Liverpool, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Wood Street, Liverpool, 1996 by Rob Bremner.
Wood Street, Liverpool, 1996.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Tricia and Lisa, Vauxhall, Liverpool, 1987 by Rob Bremner.
Lisa and Trisha, Vauxhall, Liverpool, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Liverpool, 1987 by Rob Bremner.
Everton, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Dingle Girls, 1996 by Rob Bremner.
Dingle, Liverpool, 1996.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Colin and Lee, Liverpool, 1996 by Rob Bremner.
Colin and Lee. Liverpool, 1997.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Boys on Breck Road, 1987 by Rob Bremner.
Breck Road, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

BMX Kid, 1987 by Rob Bremner.
Everton, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Kirkdale Kids, 1987 by Rob Bremner.
Kirkdale Kids, 1980s.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

“I know how to take portraits in the sense that I’ll look for a background and people, but basically I just asked people if I can take their photo. Obviously, you’re hanging around the same area, so you get to know people.” – Rob Bremner.

Johnny and Pat, Vauxhall, 1987 by Rob Bremner.
Johnny Crummie and Pat Smith, Vauxhall, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Camouflaged Lady. Everton, 1987.
Camouflaged Lady. Everton, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Vauxhall Ladies. Vauxhall, Liverpool, 1987 by Rob Bremner.
Vauxhall, Liverpool, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

New Brighton, 1980s.
New Brighton, 1980s.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

New Brighton, 1987.
New Brighton, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Girls in New Brighton, 1987.
New Brighton, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Margaret and Peggy, 1987 by Rob Bremner.
Margaret and Peggy. (Mother and Daughter) Liverpool, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Liverpool Nans, 1987 by Rob Bremner.
Liverpool Nans, Vauxhall, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Bin Men in Everton, Liverpool, 1987 by Rob Bremner.
New Brighton, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Anfield, 1990s.
Anfield, 1990s.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Cigar Smokers, Everton, 1987.
Cigar Smokers, Everton, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Liverpool Docker, 1987.
A Liverpool docker enjoying the perks of the job, 1987.

Photo © Rob Bremner.

Gallery first published 7th September, 2018. © Rob Bremner / British Culture Archive. All rights reserved.

READ OUR FULL FEATURE WITH ROB BREMNER

A selection of Rob Bremner’s images are part of our touring exhibition The People’s City. We’ll be announcing 2024 dates early in the new year. 

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

ROB BREMNER PRINTS | EXCLUSIVE TO BRITISH CULTURE ARCHIVE

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