19 amazing images of 1980s Bristol by Beezer

1980s Bristol. A time of Thatcher, poll tax, strikes, riots… and a time of cultural explosion in what was, until then, considered one of Britain’s most boring cities.

Influenced by the burgeoning hip hop culture across the Atlantic and the dub/reggae sound-system scene found closer to home, a handful of pioneers combined to ignite a movement that would go on to define Bristol to many across the world.

Whether playing records at house or street parties in St Pauls, or painting the walls at the youth centre in Barton Hill, the likes of Smith & Mighty, Nellee Hooper, graff artist 3D and his crew the Wild Bunch (who later became Massive Attack) embraced their creativity to escape the tensions of life in 1980s inner-city Britain.

Without this moment in history, Bristol would be a very, very different city to the one you find yourself in today. And without an individual called Beezer, who grew up with the Wild Bunch and had the unique foresight to grab a camera, build a darkroom at home and set about documenting what was happening around him, it’s a moment that would have been consigned to hearsay forever.

Previously exhibited at Bristol Museum and published in the book Wild Dayz, the images in this slideshow make for captivating viewing for anyone with an interest in our city’s rich musical and social history.

www.beezerphotos.com