A History Of (British) Violence: The 10th Anniversary Re-Release Of Jocelyn Bain Hogg's "The Firm" Table-Book = Wankers Need Not Apply.

"The Firm is a searing photographic document of the British organized crime world, which received instant recognition. Over a four-year period Bain Hogg documented different aspects of the underworld, from exile in Tenerife to the broad spectrum of activity in the United Kingdom. Since Brighton Rock in the 1940s, photographers and film directors have been trying to capture the personalities and characteristics of the British urban gangster on film. These are not the faces of criminals who hide behind the facade of respectability or the corruption of political influence. They are, in fact, the real thing, men who hold their head up when challenged, and who seek no false redemption in the face of public vilification. Bain Hogg has captured for the first time in The Firm the weft and warp of these faces to whom violence is common currency and to whom loyalty is above all.
The project is currently being revisited, ten years later now that the old capos have passed away and in the wake of escalating gang crime in the estates of the UK."

Information Courtesy Of: Jocelynbainhogg.Com

Available Online Here: Amazon.Co.UK

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  As so much more than a mere copy-and-paste blogger proficient in thievery, but completely bereft of the ability to produce compelling content of my own, with each post, I aspire to continually contribute something of unique value to our ongoing conversation.  That having been said, while I 1st spotted news of the 10th Anniversary re-release of photographer Jocelyn Bain Hogg's "The Firm" @ Limitedhype.Com, I had to delve deeper and research this brilliant photo journal for myself and, well, for Y.O.U. too!

Apparently, quite by accident, longtime fashion photographer Mr. Jocelyn Bain Hogg (NOTE:  Yeah, reading the name "Jocelyn" I totally thought this was a chick responsible for these flicks too ... lol) met the flamboyant John Gotti-like U.K. gangster ambassador Dave "Dodgy" Courtney @ a fashion event, talked him up, snapped some picks and the rest was history.  The underworld is always smitten when outsiders shine a romantic rose colored light upon their dirty deeds.

This is most certainly NOT your stereotypical faggy "Tea Time", cucumber sandwiches (NOTE:  With the crust removed) and crumpets view of jolly ole England (NOTE:  Although there are plenty of those world renowned fluoride deficient crusty British chompers on display here ... lol).  "The Firm" is the beautiful product of 4-years worth of unprecedented access to a veritable "who's who" of modern British gangsters.  This chillingly candid table-book provides the reader with as intimate a glimpse into the British and Welsh world of organized crime as the general public has ever seen.  "Snatch" this is not.

While Bain Hogg's lens can come off as sort of that of a blushing "fan" and overly sympathetic of his subjects, "The Firm" is irrefutably official tissue my G.  The potent blend and careful distillation of his rogue profiles is an expert study in portraiture and photojournalism.  I L.O.V.E. a good photo book.  Oh, don't trip nigga ... I'ma get mines.  Get yours!
















BONUS:

Well, well, well, it would appear that Jocelyn Bain Hogg's enthralling photographic homage to London's larcenous gangster underworld, "The Firm", features a powerful candid shot of "Dodgy" Dave Courtney regaling a no doubt captivated audience about his life of crime @ the Oxford University Union that bears a striking resemblence to a certain classic Jay-Z album cover. Here's the true "Blueprint" my friends. Embrace the inspiration. Tell a friend to tell a friend about all that Y.O.U. learn here. You're welcome. You're ALL welcome.