London-based Photographer Tracks Down Original Locations Of Iconic Reggae Album Covers

Culture Trip’s Art & Design Editor Freire Barnes gets the low down on where many of reggae’s iconic album covers were shot in London.
In 2014, artist Alex Bartsch embarked on tracking down the London locations that feature on many of his beloved reggae album covers created from between 1967 and 1987. Once the exact spot was found, Bartsch would re-photograph the cover in situ, creating an anthropological document where the past and present exist. Now 2 years on, after wild goose chases, dead ends and trekking from south east London to Harlesden, he’s collated his photographs in a Kickstarter-backed book, Covers: Retracing Reggae Record Sleeves in London. Here we give you a glimpse of some of the extraordinary photographs and hear from Alex about the project.

Joe’s All Stars, Brixton Cat (Trojan Records, 1969), rephotographed on Atlantic Road, London SW9, 46 years later.

How did the Covers project come about?
The project started with the cover of Brixton Cat on Trojan Records. It features a woman standing on the corner of Atlantic road and Electric Avenue. I love this cover and found a copy of the record at Selectors record shop on Brixton Hill. I then walked down to the market to re-photograph it.

John Holt, 2000 Volts of Holt (Trojan Records, 1976), rephotographed in Holland Park, London W14, 39 years later.

When did you start listening to Reggae?

I started listening to Reggae in my teens when I was living in France and started collecting records about 10 years ago. I collect mostly reggae, hip-hop and afrobeat.
What the first album you bought?

It was probably Jackie Opel – A Love To Share. I used to listen to a lot of Ska and Jackie Opel was definitely the greatest singer.

Al Campbell, Rainy Days (Hawkeye, 1978), rephotographed in King Edward VII Park, London NW10, 38 years later.

Are all the album sleeves featured in Covers yours?

Yes, all the records are mine. There’s 42 reggae LP covers so far that will feature in the book.
What have you discovered about London’s reggae scene?

One thing I learned through doing this project was the importance of Harlesden in the reggae scene in London. Many labels operated from that area and I spent a lot of time shooting covers in and around Harlesden.

Moodie, Early Years (Moodie Music, 1974), rephotographed on Downhills Park Road, London N17, 41 years later.

Carroll Thompson, Hopelessly in Love (Carib Gems, 1981), rephotographed on Milton Avenue, London NW10, 34 years later.

Various Artists, Harder Shade of Black (Santic, 1974), rephotographed in Hackney Downs, London E5, 42 years later.

Smiley Culture, Cockney Translation (Fashion Records, 1984), rephotographed on Plough Road, London SW11, 32 years later.

Covers: Retracing Reggae Record Sleeves in London is published by One Love Books in 2016.

About the author

Freire Barnes

Art & Design Editor

Born in the heart of London, Freire's been surrounded by art since childhood. From being mesmerised by Fra Angelico's frescos in Florence to experiencing Dali's Mae West room in Caduceus, Freire's extensive travels instilled a love of the arts. After studying painting she worked for David Bowie's, Bowieart and began to write for the BBC, Bon and Dazed &amp Confused. She curated the Converse x Dazed Emerging Artists Award and was one of the first cohort to graduate from the Royal College of Art's Critical Writing in Art &amp Design MA. When not at an art opening, she's excited to bring her global art discoveries to the Culture Trip's readers.