The Young Westminster Foundation has launched a unique, free photography exhibition on Carnaby Street celebrating the history of youth culture in the borough and visualising 150 years of youth clubs.
From the 9th-22nd August this FREE Photography Exhibition, Forever Young: 150 Years of Youth clubs, on Carnaby Street is available for people to visit and have the opportunity to dive into the history of Westminster’s youth clubs which have nurtured the vibrant heart of youth culture for 150 years. It also includes a physical installation which recreates the feel of a youth club where films from local youth charities will be screened. They are also keen to hear of the experiences of visitors on where they hung out when young and where they found opportunities.
Westminster is home to the world’s oldest youth club, St Andrews, which opened in 1866 and, alongside other youth clubs in the area, it has played a crucial role in key youth culture there. What started as a place for young apprentices who were sleeping rough to reside and socialise in the evenings, soon developed into a ‘youth club’ that has helped nurture Westminster’s young people and support community development for over 150 years. From the mods and rockers of the swinging ’60s who ventured to stylist Carnaby street, to the rebellious punk era of the ’70s and grime and rap scene which dominates youth club today – these clubs have provided a sacred safe space for many young people. There are even volunteers working there today who attended first as a young person.
The photography exhibition has been created in collaboration between the Young Westminster Foundation and Positive View Foundation.
