Hallo and welcome to this somewhat early edition of Albion, published, by happy coincidence, just in time for St George's Day.
A theme of rebellion emerges from two of our articles: Fred provides a detailed review of some recent books on the quest for an historical Robin Hood, while Alex investigates the Teddy Boys, a sartorial subculture which paradoxically combined emulation of aristocratic trends with anti-Establishment attitude--formerly part of the seventies Ted revival, he is well placed to do so. Recent revelations have raised the legacy of the British Empire as a controversial issue once again, and Steve judiciously analyses Jeremy Paxman's Empire: What Ruling the World Did to the British, in an effort to determine its effects on the English.
In Art, Mark provides an incisive and witty review of the recent Manchester Art Gallery exhibition of Ford Madox Brown, while Paul discovers the great, neglected genius Edward Burra at Chichester's Pallant House Gallery. He also evaluates recent books on YBA Alessandro Raho and the highly talented but retiring Prunella Clough, with his usual sympathy and evocative visual sense. Cinema finds Mark entertained by the BFI's new film of folk customs Here's a Health to the Barley Mow, examining the continuity and change that it poignantly captures, while Neil considers Christopher Monger's provocative film Voice Over, displaying, once again, uncanny insight into interpersonal dynamics. Television contains my appreciation of the seventies teenage show Follyfoot, which, with its investigation of heavy duty social issues, broke new ground in children's programming.
James examines a host of folk, rock and pop releases, ranging from the recent bargain reissues of Steeleye Span and Be-Bop Deluxe to Florence and the Machine, while Em provides her assessments of recent English classical recordings of music by famous and lesser-known names, including Britten, Bowerman, Macfarren and Delius. In Diversions, there are Em's reviews of beauty products, and I enjoy a variety of classic Small Faces footage featuring the great Steve Marriott. On that note, I would like to thank all the faces on this particular scene. I am fortunate beyond measure to work with them.
