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Slimelight

Photographs by Jeanie Jean

Based in the Kent suburbs, Jeanie Jean photographs the intersections of punk, goth, 80s revival, pinup, and skinhead culture, working with a clear documentary sensibility. Her ongoing series Slimelight centres on the longest-running dark-scene club in the world — a fixture that remains both recognised and respected within alternative culture.

Founded in 1987 by Dette Marsh and Mayuan Mak, the club has operated from its current home, The Electrowerkz, since October of that year. It began as a members-only night with a single dance floor offering what was billed as “the only alternative” — a blend of goth, post-punk, industrial, new wave, indie, alternative electronic, and crossover 80s music. As the dark scene shifted, the club evolved with it, expanding across multiple spaces and hosting live performances that have become part of its identity.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

"I discovered Slimelight in mid-2022 during my "Not Dead" project, a photo pilgrimage that celebrated all different subcultures. Along with punk, having grown up with goth music most of my life, it was over the last few years that I thought this iconic subculture had completely fizzled out. Everything felt so placid. Everyone looked the same; everything on the telly seemed the same. I missed the darkness, I missed the anarchy, I missed the danger!"

- Jeanie Jean

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Was it true? Had The Goth really met its demise? Oh, how wrong I was. As I stepped into the cold concrete cave of Electrowerkz and descended further into the mysterious underworld, I realized that I was home. And there were many beautiful creatures who I embraced. I am now a frequent visitor of Slimelight and have included most of the photos from my trips in "Not Dead." Just because punk, skinhead, and goth culture aren't televised or splashed across the papers like in the '70s and '80s doesn't mean they are not around - you just need to know where to look! You need to tumble down that rabbit hole and explore the nooks and crannies. We are not dead. We are here."

- Jeanie Jean

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Slimelight Clubnight at Electrowerkz, London, 2022.
Slimelight, 2022.

Photo © Jeanie Jean, all rights reserved.

Collection published 6th May, 2023 © Jeanie Jean / British Culture Archive. All rights reserved. 

For licensing and usage enquiries please email: contact@britishculturearchive.co.uk

All images © Jeanie Jean / BCA. All rights reserved. No usage or reproduction of any kind without prior permission of the copyright holder.