Mick Jones’ Punk Archive & The Clash’s Legacy
For fans of music, punk, and pre-digital pop culture, The Rock & Roll Public Library (RRPL) is a treasure trove like no other. Curated by Mick Jones, legendary guitarist of The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite, it’s a living archive of 20th-century music, art, and counterculture, writes Luigia Minichiello.
Now, with the first-ever RRPL magazine and a free exhibition at London’s Farsight Gallery, Jones is once again opening his vast collection to the public.
The exhibition is a deep dive into Jones’s world, featuring handwritten lyrics, notebooks, stage clothes, and personal memorabilia from his time in The Clash and Big Audio Dynamite. You’ll find a recreated 1970s listening booth where visitors can spin records from his personal collection, plus a living room installation stacked with VHS tapes, comics, and books. It’s packed with nostalgia, the kind of place where you could easily lose a few hours exploring, reminiscing, and wondering how Jones managed to keep so much in such pristine condition.
Opening night was a who’s who of music and pop culture, with Pam Hogg, Bobby Gillespie, William Orbit, Bashy, Chris Packham, and Nick Grimshaw all wading through this one-of-a-kind collection. Jones himself was there all night, signing copies of the new magazine, taking photos, and chatting with fans, adding to the warm, family-like atmosphere.
Among the standout pieces are Patti Smith’s fan letter, original Clash T-shirts, and the boombox from the “Rock The Casbah” video. But what makes this exhibition truly special is how it blends the legendary with the everyday—rare beat poetry pamphlets sit beside Simpsons Pez dispensers, Al Capone’s tie shares space with royal cigarette cards. It’s a reminder that culture isn’t just about big moments, but also the little things we collect along the way.
The new Rock & Roll Public Library Magazine, available from 1st March, takes this DIY ethos even further. As Jones puts it, “The magazine to me is like a record, with each article a separate track.” Issue 1 dives into punk’s DIY culture, fanzines, indie fashion, and the rise of home recording—proving that this archive isn’t just about looking back but to inspire the next generation.
In an age of fleeting digital content, The Rock & Roll Public Library is a reminder of the power of the physical, the personal, and the tangible. If you love The Clash, punk, and pop culture history, this experience is one not to miss.
The Rock & Roll Public Library will be open to the public at Farsight Gallery, 4 Flitcroft Street, London WC2H 8DJ until 16thMarch 2024. 12 noon – 7pm daily. For more information, visit www.rocknrollpl.com
