Identity area
Reference code
2022.66.16
Title
Seditionaries "Destroy" T-Shirt
Date(s)
- undated [1976-1980] (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent and medium
1
Context area
Name of creator
Administrative history
Repository
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
White, cotton, sleeveless t-shirt with a round neckline. Ribbing is found at the neckline and arm holes. The word 'Destroy' is written across the chest with a swastika design underneath. Over the top of this is printed an inverted image of Christ on the cross and beneath this are lyrics to the Sex Pistols song "Anarchy in the U.K."
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Label worn and can't be read
Material: Cotton
Measurements: 54cm [Chest];l 69cm [Length]
Details: Sleeveless; round neckline
Physical Condition: Some discolouration and small holes
Material: Cotton
Measurements: 54cm [Chest];l 69cm [Length]
Details: Sleeveless; round neckline
Physical Condition: Some discolouration and small holes
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
The anarchic 1977 shirt with bold red Nazi swastika, Sex Pistols lyrics, inverted image of Christ and the word ‘DESTROY’, according to Westwood was a way of challenging older generations and rejecting fascist taboos.
[https://www.harpersbazaar.in/fashion/story/how-vivienne-westwood-defined-fashion-activism-with-a-lifetime-of-rebellion-and-celebration-of-punk]
[https://www.harpersbazaar.in/fashion/story/how-vivienne-westwood-defined-fashion-activism-with-a-lifetime-of-rebellion-and-celebration-of-punk]
Note
The boutique which was run by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren at 430 King's Road, London went under a number of names; but traded as Seditionaries between 1976 and 1980. Designs from this period are typically known by the same name.
Note
Malcolm McLaren was the manager of the Sex Pistols, amongst other bands.