Following the hugely successful ‘Return of the Rudeboy’ exhibition last year that explored the swagger and significance of the 21st century British Rudeboy, the creators – prolific music photographer Dean Chalkley and renowned fashion creative director Harris Elliott – are now bringing this sartorial subculture to life in a brand new coffee table book.
Collaborating with British electronics brand, Goodmans, the book will be launched at the specially curated ‘Rudeboy Salon’ space at London’s Hospital Club open to the public on the 5th & 6th June. The ‘Rudeboy Salon’ will also be home to the newly designed Goodmans art installation by Rudeboy artist Andrew Ibi.
The ‘Rudeboy Salon’ will give a an insight into the world of the 21st century Rudeboy with photographs, screenings, a panel discussion and live Djs. Stay tuned for further announcements and details of events.
As the Rudeboy style was closely connected to the music movements of 1950s American Jazz and R&B, Chalkley and Elliott have teamed up with Goodmans, whose radios and speakers have been in the hands and homes in Britain for over 80 years. Aside from supporting the creation of the coffee table book of photographs of over 60 sharply dressed individuals from across the UK, another unique aspect of the event will be the unveiling of the ‘Return of the Rudeboy x Goodmans Sound Installation’. Artist and ‘Rudie’ himself, Andrew Ibi. has created the art and sound installation – made of an impressive stack 90 Goodmans heritage radios, designed and appropriated with his distinctive hand-drawn artwork. The imposing tower will also play a soundtrack of tunes and spoken dialogue that capture the sound and soul of this urban group.
The collaboration with Dean Chalkley and Harris Elliott is a further step in the Goodmans Series – a series of collaborations that support the creative individuals of British culture. As a brand that has spanned decades and is ever immersed in music, Goodmans is well placed to look back and champion British heritage. That said, in a cultural climate that is more diverse than ever, it is ever more important to look at contemporary subcultures and those who are creating it today. In the same vein, the ‘Rudeboy Salon’, will pay respect to the heritage and importance of the past, but focus on the present and future Rudeboy.
