Liverpool in the 1980s

The 1980s were a time of turmoil and upheaval for Liverpool. Unemployment and economic instability led to widespread disquiet, culminating in public shows of resistance such as the 1981 Toxteth Riots. Liverpool also elected its first Labour council in 1983, who promised to stand up for what they saw as unjust cuts under the Thatcher government.

However, the people of Liverpool were strong in the face of this upheaval, and glimpses of light can be found in dark times. As official photographer for the Militant, Dave Sinclair’s stunning images show a city that refused to lie down in the face of adversity. Featuring over 150 contemporary photographs, Liverpool in the 1980s pays tribute to the constancy of the Liverpudlian spirit. From citywide protests to intimate portraits, this volume is a unique insight into the recent history of one of Britain’s most inspirational cities.