Celebrating 60 Years of Notting Hill Carnival Through the Lens of Ian Watts

As the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival approaches its 60th anniversary this August Bank Holiday Weekend, it brings with it a unique celebration steeped in history and culture. Among those who have immortalized this lively event is Ian Watts, a dedicated photographer who has been capturing the carnival's spirit for five decades.

Watts first stepped into the carnival scene as a teenager in 1976, armed with a second-hand Praktica camera and a passion for sound-system culture and reggae music. Although his friends opted out, he ventured to Ladbroke Grove alone, instantly captivated by the vibrant atmosphere. "I shot mostly black and white, and also some colour film. And my feeling was: wow, this is a great experience!" he recalls.

Since then, Watts has made it a tradition to return to the carnival each year, with only one exception in 2012 due to work commitments in Siberia. His extensive collection of photographs, numbering in the tens of thousands, has been distilled into a free exhibition titled ‘Carnival 60: Ian Watts at Outernet,’ showcasing 100 to 150 images that chronicle the evolution of the carnival. The exhibition, located at Outernet in central London, presents a visual journey through decades of celebration, creativity, and social change.

Creative director Scott Neal emphasized the significance of Watts' work, stating, "The pictures Ian has taken from being a young boy to today are a vibrant record of what Carnival is about and how important it is to the fabric of London." Watts himself aims to highlight themes of identity and cultural expression, capturing both historic moments and everyday life.

Reflecting on his early experiences, Watts remembers the heatwave of 1976 and the palpable tension during that year's carnival. "There was a lot of tension in the air because of the heat… That might have had some effect as to what happened at Carnival," he said, alluding to the heightened emotions surrounding policing. Despite this, his love for the event has only deepened over the years.

Watts recalls both triumphs and challenges in his photographic journey, particularly a frustrating moment in the 1990s when he lost a selection of what he considered his best shots due to postal issues. Yet, he cherishes the serendipity of reunions at the carnival, where old friends and family members unexpectedly cross paths.

Now in his seventh decade, Watts remains committed to the carnival, declaring, "As long as I can pick up a camera, I'll be taking photographs of Carnival." He anticipates the upcoming event with enthusiasm, eager to capture new moments while reflecting on how far he has come since his first experience. When asked about music recommendations for carnival-goers, he suggests checking out sound systems like Rapattack, Channel One, and Aba-Shant-I for an authentic experience.

‘Carnival 60: Ian Watts at Outernet’ runs from August 27 to September 2026 and offers a free glimpse into the rich history of one of London's most beloved celebrations.

Source: www.wallpaper.com