Sunday 20 February 2011

Teddy Boys Original & Revisited

image from Covert Candy Blog here


Growing up the in the 1950s I was fairly terrified of Teddy Boys since news reached me that they all carried flick knives and were spoiling for a fight.  I was listening to The Laughing Policeman and Little White Bull on Uncle Mac's Children's Favourites and didn't have much notion of giving them the benefit of the doubt.  Me and my sister would give any Teds a wide berth as we walked up to Woolworths to spend our sixpence pocket money.


Truth be known, most of the working lads in this notorious post-war subculture were more likely to be carrying a comb in their back pocket.

 Mr Rose the hairdresser who claimed to have cut the first 'quiff'    © Getty Images


I have an image of them slouching against a wall running that comb through a bow wave of Brylcreamed hair, carefully past the ears and then, with a flourish round the back of the head, achieving what was graphically known as a DA (Duck's Arse). 



Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta


 In the Elephant & Castle area of South London 1955   © Getty Images



At a street corner in London 1955      © Getty Images

 
Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta






The drape suits with the velvet collar based on Edwardian styling, the string ties 1954.  Drainpipe trousers and big crepe-soled 'brothel creepers' were also favoured.  © Corbis Images

Tomas Maier for Bottega Veneta



Bottega Veneta photography by Terry Tsiolis
Thanks to Mr Toby Worthington for alerting me to the new breed of Teddy Boy.

Below is a video which can only be watched on You Tube. Just click on the link. 

Sunday 13 February 2011

Where Was I?



I just realised I haven't written a post since I had my last cigarette.  Ohhhhhhh..






image from Vanity Fair's Bifurcated Girls Special Issue, June 6, 1903



 
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