Following the success of his hit Star Wars themed exhibition, May The Toys Be With You, The Atkinson is pleased to welcome collector and cultural commentator Matt Fox back to Southport.
In the exciting new exhibition, I Grew Up 80s, Fox explores his childhood through a variety of iconic objects from the 1980s.
His carefully curated time capsule of over 200 treasures showcases the youthful exuberance of the era, during which time so much changed.
Matt Fox said: “The world is fast paced. Each new year seems to bring a fresh revolution; in technology, globalisation, entertainment, and in the way we socially interact.
“When so much changes in just one year for the children of today’s Britain, then how much has changed in one whole generation?
“Those like myself who grew up, pre-internet, in the 1980s can genuinely state that life was very different then.
“This exhibition showcases the objects and treasures that 80s kids held dear. Toys, technology, music, sport, film, fashion and even food!
“It’s a really family friendly exhibition and I hope parents will bring their kids and share the experience of a decade that was so much fun to grow up in!”
Visitors to The Atkinson will travel through the cultural landscape of 1980s Britain through the eyes of a child – revisiting the vibrancy, quirkiness and innovation that defined the decade.
From BMX to Betamax, Dirty Dancing to Donkey Kong, Thompson Twins to Transformers, if you grew up in the 80s get ready to exclaim ‘I remember that!’.
I Grew Up 80s is at The Atkinson in Southport from Saturday, 13 November 2021 to 19 March 2022.
The Atkinson is open Monday to Saturday, 10am-4pm. Free Entry.
Share your photos
Did you have a Polaroid Camera, Kodak Ektralite, Canon AE-1?… We want to see your iconic 80s photos; the fashion, the hair, the memories!
Tag The Atkinson on social media or email your photos to info@theatkinson.co.uk.
They will display their favourites in the galleries.
Britannia rules the airwaves The 1980s was a period in which British music achieved a level of worldwide success that it hadnt since the height of The Beatles popularity in the 1960s. This was a combination of old talent and new. A number of veteran artists successfully transitioned to the synth-rock sound – Queen, Genesis, Elton John, Paul McCartney, David Bowie – in some cases having their greatest commercial success in the 80s. Whilst a host of new British acts broke through with spectacular sales on the inter- national stage, including; Duran Duran, The Police, Eurythmics, UB40, George Michael and Dire Straits.
I Grew Up 80s: An online talk with curator Matt Fox
Wednesday 8 December 2021, 1pm (Free, booking required)
80s Music at The Atkinson
Relive the magic of the 80’s music scene! Are you a Super Trouper?… Livin’ On A Prayer?… Radio Ga Ga?…
Enjoy some superb 80s themed gigs at The Atkinson over the next few months.
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