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.
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
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.
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