Visit Date: July 2015
LOCATION: Somerset House, London
WEBSITE: http://www.somersethouse.org.uk
DATES: 26 June – 31 August 2015
COST: £9.50
CONTACT: 020 7845 4600 info@somersethouse.org.uk
The Jam: About the Young Idea is an exhibition devoted to one of Britain's most successful short-lived bands. During their 6 year period they released three live albums and six studio albums, while they also released nineteen singles, the exhibition offers a unique insight into the personal archives of all three members. From unseen material and fan memorabilia it charts the rise to stardom of three boys from Woking to their breakup in 1982. What makes it more unusual is that it is the first time all three members have opened up their archives for an exclusive one off exhibition. Contributions include Paul Weller, Rick Buckler, Bruce Foxton, the Weller family and Den Davies to name but a few.
A video showing the Jam performing live at Bingley Hall Birmingham while the drum kit is the original set up from their last gig at the Brighton Conference Centre.
The exhibition displays school reports, letters and personal papers, press cuttings, original acetate recordings and even Paul's postcards while on tour. all of which take you from their early beginnings in Surrey through to the height of their fame.
Throughout the exhibition you are guided through (while remembering the music), the press coverage, the clothes and the political backdrop of the time.
As with all good things, it came to a rather abrupt end, with Paul deciding to leave the band in December 1982 after a farewell tour and appearances on both Top of the Pops and The Tube.
