‘If we don’t foul up no-one can touch us’.
Computer weekly 1987
Anna Fox is one of Britain’s most acclaimed portrait photographers. In 1987, she undertook a study of London office life to document an era of extreme political and social change. Work Stations is a critical observation of the City of London during Margaret Thatcher’s reign.
‘Fortunes are being made that are in line with the dreams of avarice’.
Business 1987
The images are presented with text, to caption each of the photographs, and were commissioned by The Museum of London in 1987. They provide an insight into the character of London city life nearly thirty years ago, and of course we’re particularly interested in the clothing worn by workers at the time.
‘Enjoy the benefits that have made an international success story… make stress work for you’.
Advertisement 1986
5.30pm
The series captures office fashion of the era perfectly. Double-breasted suits stretching over city boys’ bellies; slim paisley ties are worn by bankers tucking in to full English breakfasts; a sassy office worker wears a mustard twin set with peplum trim and sling backs; canteen staff wear burgundy and grey tabards not unlike those worn by the cast of Dinnerladies (!) and hair is big, bouffy and bold.
‘Just because you’re small it dosen’t mean you can’t be powerful’.
Financial Times 2/10/87
Office furniture and desk lamps, at the time was probably standard issue, are now lustworthy. Xeroxed images of Thatcher adorn the walls in a creepy Communist manner, telephone wires are ridiculously long and annoyingly curly. Blue eye shadow appears to have been applied in the dark. The series captures the essence of the era perfectly.
‘Strength, stamina and precision had kept him on top’.
Business 1987
Images kindly reproduced thanks to James Hyman Gallery, London and all images are copyright Anna Fox. To see the whole series, visit the James Hyman Gallery website.
Thanks to Creative Boom for sharing this.