SHOOTING FROM THE HIP: JOHN ‘HOPPY’ HOPKINS
Remembering the legendary pioneer of the underground 60’s
by Ellie Howard
Last month the world got a little less interesting, when John ‘Hoppy’ Hopkins passed away. The legendary political activist and photographer documented the 1960’s underground scene; from the rolling stones; to Nelson Mandela; to the Ace Café’s biker girls - his photographs captured the raw spirit of the era.
A vehement counterculture figure, John Hopkins was educated at Cambridge and started his career as a mad physicist with the Atomic Energy Authority; but he was soon forced to leave when he made the headlines for being approached by the Russian Security agents. Activism was a part of everything he did; with friends he set up the anarchistic ‘IT’ newspaper in 1996. Hopkins dreamed of a society “free of a corrupt government and a society run by greedy hooligans”, and went on to found the London Free School. He started many a great party, organising the famous “14-Hour Technicolor night in 1977 and getting arrested 10 days after it opened, he also founded the psychedelic club ‘UFO’. A nirvana for acidheads, it was the kind of place where Pink Floyd just rocked up and decided to play. When he collaborated with Rhaunie Laslett, he inadvertently started a street procession that lead to today’s Notting Hill Carnival.
All images courtesy of John Hoppy Hopkins.
Even at the age of 77, Hopkins still wore ripped jeans and a bandana. In short, the man was a legend.
Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull, on their way to Marlborough Street Court on charges of possessing cannabis.
Influenced by Rock ‘n’ roll and motorbikes, in the early fifties the Ace Café became the destination for a new breed of bikers.
With their black leather dress code, loud bikes and a tendency to move as a pack, the Pirates, were denied entrance into most dance halls and bowling alley.
Gala Smile
William Burroughs in his New York apartment, captured by John “Hoppy” Hopkins.
