The book’s designers, Alflie Allen and Max Marshall, brought grime’s fashion legacy to the tactile experience. James says: “I said I didn’t want to make a coffee table book as I thought that didn’t feel right for grime.” In consideration of how best to encapsulate the genre’s feel, James, Alfie, and Max came up with the idea of condensing the photo book into a poster; each page folds out into A2, creating a storybook that unfurls alongside the narrative. “The inspiration was all the materials back then – very plastic and shiny,” James says. “A pair of old y2k silver and orange Nike trainers had a big influence on the cover design.” The photo book is encased in a silver, record-like sleeve, with a vivid orange belly band slotting into top and bottom grooves to hold it all together.
Another important influence was the resourceful experimentation of grime culture. For example, S-X’s Wooo Riddim was created when the Wolverhampton producer was just 18, yet remains an immediately recognisable staple within the genre. James paid homage to the simplicity in grime production, often made in software like Fruity Loops, with his dark room techniques. “The technique was very instinctual, picking colours and almost painting out without seeing (it’s on photographic paper so has to be done in place) to create these vibrant colours,” says James.
Community is close to James’ heart. He highlights one key spot to grime’s beginnings – a youth club in Bow on Devons Road where the likes of D Double E, Nasty Crew and Ruff Sqwad all went to share ideas and hone their craft. Such spaces are ever-more integral for youth, especially in the face of widespread closures. James says: “I’d love to think the government should be doing more, but history has taught me not to have faith in our government. So I believe the creative industry needs more care and support. It’s our responsibility!”
James to put on a two day workshop this summer at Beau Beaus Cafe in E1 to make sure the book gave back to the community. He put a call out through Arts Emergency – an organisation he’s mentored with for six years – to young photographers to join a practical workshop shooting young musicians from Beau Beau’s music academy, the results of which were then exhibited. Since the books release, James has been expanding his mentorship, working on his short film and a book titled Taller the Hat Closer to Heaven. “Watch this space!,” the photographer ends.
James Pearson-Howes’ photo book When I’m ’Ere is available for purchase at his online store.