The Boy with the Flag c.1970-79
© Vanley Burke Archive, Birmingham Central Library
When I first saw this image in the early 90’s, when I was in my early 20’s and becoming more politicised, I was like, “Wow! A black boy in the 70’s so brazenly & proudly sporting a Union Jack flag. Radical and controversial!” (or words to that effect…).
I still love this image, but now, when showing it to groups of young people, does it still have that eye opening effect????
The best way to find that out is to try. I hope that some our colleagues in education might take up the flag challenge and share responses. Could fit in so many areas of the National Curriculum.
Yeh,
Today’s youth would have something to say about those trousers. And the bike with track-y handlebars , mudguard and sprung seat.
this is a great image! where did you see it? is it in a book or were you at the archive in birmingham?
Hello Casey,
There is a collection of his work with an introduction by Stuart Hall – “Vanley Burke: A Retrospective”. I haven’t got the book infront of me at the moment but I am sure it is in there.
All the best,
Shawn