Jon's Story

Jon grew up in Bournemouth and now lives in Wigan. After a long career in education, these days he runs Friends of Crimea Street Films, an online project devoted to the work and legacy of an overlooked Salford film studio.His favourite band has always been The Jam and watching them in Poole back in 1982 was an amazing experience. These days, he's not really part of the scene any more but it never really leaves you, does it?

Probably aged about 14, which would have been 1980, perhaps a little before. I was in Bournemouth and some of the older lads were Mods, plus I liked The Jam, 2 Tone and so on. There was also a group of Mods who used to hang around the amusement arcade in Boscombe, where I would go and play Galaxian and Defender.

The clothes and the girls (and I’m honestly not sure in which order).I loved the clothes and quickly became obsessed, although I was already obsessed with girls. The Fred Perrys, tonic suits, Sta-Prests, bowling shoes, boating blazers and, of course, the parka. I remember painting a pair of moccasin loafers red, white and blue. They probably looked shit, but one of the older Mods commented on them in the amusement arcade.I also think part of the appeal was belonging to something.

When it comes to clothes, nothing flashy—just impeccable taste. A John Smedley rather than a logo that covers the chest. British brands have always held an appeal for me.From a music perspective, I appreciate quite a wide range and I’m not a snob. It isn’t necessary to like only the Small Faces or dance only to obscure American artists. It’s not about money. It’s about attitude.

When I was younger, it would have been my electric-blue leather three-button jacket. I pleaded with my mum to buy it for me when we were in Kingston-upon-Thames. It was expensive at the time, I think nearly £100, but she had also loved fashion as a teenager. My dad, meanwhile, thought I was going through a “Nancy” phase.I have never seen another jacket like it. It was close to perfection and set me apart on a night out. I don’t know where it went. It was 45 years ago and I don’t think it would fit now - my waist is probably about four inches bigger than my chest was then.These days, I’m not so sure which possession I would choose. I’m not showy, but I like to look good. I’m still clothes-conscious, although no longer obsessed. I still favour individualism, which is expressed through my work and even in how our house is decorated.

It will die out if people aren’t interested anymore. That means encouraging younger people to discover the music and fashions.It also means allowing new music and fashions to come through, rather than everyone dressing as though they are from 1964. A Modernist doesn’t live in the past. A lack of snobbery would help too - just let people enjoy themselves.

I was always image-conscious as a teenager, but one night I decided to spray my hair blue before leaving the house to meet the others at Boscombe Pier. It was raining, so the spray ran out of my hair and down my face and clothes.I spent the evening like that and then walked two miles home, alone, in the rain.

The Creations

The thoughts, memories and music in this story have inspired three original works, each available to order below.