From Woking to the World – the story of three young men who gave voice to a generation.
This summer, Somerset House, in collaboration with Nice Time Inc Productions, is proud to present The Jam: About the Young Idea.
With unprecedented access to The Jam’s archive, Somerset House will curate the first comprehensive exhibition about the extraordinary band whose music immortalised life for Britain’s disenchanted youth during the late 70s and early 80s.
Through unseen material and fan memorabilia, The Jam: About the Young Idea will chart the trio’s journey from Sheerwater Secondary Modern in Woking to superstardom, kick-started by the release of their debut hit single ‘In The City’, whose lyrics are referenced in the exhibition’s title, and ended six years later with 18 consecutive UK top 40 singles and over 14 million global album sales.
For the very first time, all three members of the band – Paul Weller, Rick Buckler and Bruce Foxton – the Weller family and music archivist Den Davis have opened up their archives, especially for the Somerset House show.
The collection, which is curated by frontman Paul’s sister and former head of The Jam’s fan club Nicky Weller, Tory Turk and Russell Reader with additional advice from DJ Gary Crowley, includes hand written lyrics, original stage outfits, personal photographs and footage, unreleased music videos, early scrapbooks, letters and postcards, posters and fanzines, and the band’s instruments.
The exhibition, designed in reference to album artworks and featuring original graphics from celebrated artist Anthony Burrill, will provide a unique and personal insight into the band’s trailblazing life and the retrospect legacy The Jam left on music, style, politics and culture.
All three members of The Jam have endorsed the exhibition.
Paul Weller commented: "When we were in the band, I would never have thought that some 35-odd years later, there would be an exhibition in our name at Somerset House. How incredible it is to think of all the memorabilia from the band, our families and fans together in one place. What an honour."
Rick Buckler said: “There's been talk for a very long time about some form of exhibition that celebrates The Jam, and now it’s finally happening, I'm pleased. I'm pleased for the fans and pleased that The Jam continue to mean so much to so many people, and that by visiting the exhibition The Jam can be remembered by lots of people from several generations.”
Bruce Foxton said: “The Jam's music still sounds contemporary today, some 35 years on. That is a real testament to the quality of the songwriting and the musicianship. I am extremely proud of having been a part of The Jam and the friendship the three of us enjoyed during that period and still do. This exhibition enables the fans to get more of an insight into the band. Somerset House, whod have thought? Enjoy!”
To coincide with the exhibition, Universal Music is releasing a limited-edition CD entitled About The Young Idea – The Best of The Jam which also includes some previously unavailable recordings. An exclusive package of exhibition tickets and the CD will be available at the special price of £17.50 (£15 concessions) from somersethouse.org.uk.
