The rise and influence of Two-tone celebrated at Barbican Music Library
The huge popularity of Two-tone will provide the focus for the forthcoming exhibition at the City of London Corporation’s Barbican Music Library which, say the curators, will take visitors on a journey from First World War France and Belgium to Coventry in the 1980s.
From the Caribbean to Coventry: Plotting the Rise of Two Tone will be presented at the library from Friday 12 January to Saturday 25 May. Admission is free.
The exhibition will feature a range of band memorabilia, items of clothing, literature, art, photographs, and contributions from the bands’ many fans, and explore how Caribbean immigration influenced UK youth culture in a positive way.
Described as Two-tone or 2 tone, as well as ‘ska-rock’ and ‘ska revival’, it fused traditional Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and reggae music with elements of punk rock and new wave music. The name itself comes from the record label, 2 Tone Records, which was founded in 1978 by Jerry Dammers from The Specials, which was one of the most popular Two-tone bands of the time.
Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, Munsur Ali, said:
“Free to view and always very well-received, Barbican Music Library exhibitions excel in showcasing the work of legendary bands, solo artists, and music photographers.
“A distinctive sound enjoyed by loyal followers dressed in a distinctive style, I have no doubt that fans of The Specials, Madness, The Beat, and many other bands will love ‘From the Caribbean to Coventry’ and appreciate the efforts of David Burke and Mark Baxter in curating the show.”
‘From the Caribbean to Coventry’ curator, David Burke, said:
“This exhibition is not a tired old museum piece but rather, it is a celebration of a lifestyle and culture that transcends race and class. We hope, in our own small way, to demonstrate that, by absorbing the message of 2Tone, the audience have continued to observe that ethos in all aspects of their lives.
“Mark Baxter and I hope that it will attract a diverse audience, and while we are both fans of 2 Tone, we are also both Modernists in that we understand and appreciate our heritage, but are not wedded to the past.”
The City of London Corporation is the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year.
The organisation manages a range of world-class cultural and heritage institutions, including the Barbican Centre, Tower Bridge, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Guildhall Art Gallery, London Metropolitan Archives, and Keats House. It also supports the London Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of London.