A must-see exhibition for fans of The Jam, The Style Council and of course Paul Weller, music aficionados and those curious of the lifestyle the show runs until 29th August 2022.
Curator Nicky Weller, Paul's sister and former head of The Jam's fan club and the inspiration behind the band's name, said:
"It was a family affair, I was running the fan club, my mum sorting out their suits for stage and my dad becoming their manager.
"It made sense that I would take on the mammoth task of choosing the material for the exhibition.
"I did cry quite a few times, but I was mainly amazed at all the opportunities, leading to some bizarre stories and fantastic people we met through the years."
The Selecter @ St Peters Church, Brighton
Paul Weller fans have the chance to get up close to his iconic Whaam guitar, read his school reports, hand-written lyrics, see Paul Wellers ripped trousers, The Jam's first publicity picture (with long hair and flares) and the band's stage clothes, which have been generously donated from the personal archives of Paul Weller, Bruce Foxton, Rick Buckler and the Weller family.
Plus, items from Mick Talbot and Steve White from The Style Council and the collections of devoted Weller fans worldwide, all make up the content of this rare and mainly unseen show.
Nicky continues:
"After two years it was wonderful to open the show at last. It was great to share this with Rick Buckler, Mick Talbot, Russell Hastings, Derek D'Souza, Tim Pope and even Pauline Black (from The Selecter) popped into the launch.
"And then the many enthusiastic fans from all walks of life enjoying the exhibition and sharing their stories – it was quite overwhelming, and I am so grateful to all those who contributed and have visited the show."
The exhibition is situated in Brighton at Valley Gardens next to St Peter's Church and the evenings are filled with live concerts throughout the month.
The launch weekend opened with, The Selecter, and the mighty Wilko Johnson & Nine Below Zero.
Other gig highlights to come include, Bruce Foxton's From The Jam, Secret Affair, The Rifles, The Chords UK and The Style Councillors featuring very special guests all set inside the spectacular, St Peter's Church.
Plus a screening of Quadrophenia followed by a Q&A with cast-members Phil Daniels, Leslie Ash, Mark Wingett and Trevor Laird will take place on the August Bank Holiday weekend, plus talks, special appearances and book-signings from Rick Buckler, Mick Talbot and Steve White.
Along with talks from The Jam's art designer Bill Smith (who created the archetypal spray-paint logo) and photographers Derek D'Souza, Martyn Goddard and video director Tim Pope.
The exhibition has been designed in reference to the albums, and events throughout the decade-plus span of The Jam and The Style Council through artworks and ephemera and a designated area for John Weller.
The exhibition also features exclusive images from Martyn Goddard, Olly Ball, Peter Anderson, Steve Rapport and Derek D'Souza: providing a unique and personal vision into the bands trailblazing life and the retrospect legacy they left on music, style, politics and culture.
Nicky Weller is offering a unique insight to the exhibition with
daily guided tours which are extremely popular and should be
pre-booked.
Exhibition open daily from 2pm - 5pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays (besides Monday 29th August open from 11am - 5pm). Exhibition open from 11am - 6pm on Saturday and Sundays. Exhibition open daily with guided tours with Nicky Weller – Mon-Friday 1- 2pm and Sat and Sunday - 10-11am - CLICK HERE for tickets.