Q&A: Horst Friedrichs, London

Horst Friedrichs was born in Frankfurt in 1966 and studied at the Munich Academy of Photography. He has worked as freelance photo-journalist for numerous publications, including The New York Times, The Independent, Stern and Geo. His documentary photography has taken him around the world and four of his ongoing projects have been made into books. Most recently, Prestel published 20th-Century Mods, a project that follows the contemporary British Mod scene. He has exhibited his photography globally and in 2008 he received a prestigious Gold Lead award for documentary photography. He lives in London with his wife and daughter.

You’ve been documenting The New Untouchables for twelve years. How did you first become interested in the mod scene?
‘In the 80s, my friends in Germany were Mods so when I moved to London 1997, I was curious about the Mod scene in the UK. After a bit of research, I discovered The New Untouchables, sophisticated and stylish Mod people who share a true love of quality vintage and 60s music. I started to go to their club nights and scooter runs to photograph them’.

Your major work over the last decade has been a documentary film and a book in Venezuela called Dona Maria and her Dreams. How did this project on the London Mod scene and culture fit in with your day to day routine?
‘I work as a photojournalist and in advertising. It’s my bread and butter. Four weeks ago I did a portrait of Bill Gates and my first job in London was with Robbie Williams. But to be honest, I prefer to take pictures of the real people. I am a very simple person’.

What did you find most captivating about shooting this scene? And, what is the purpose of all those mirrors on the scooters?
‘Music! Beat, R&B, Psychedelia, Freakbeat, Rocksteady, Northern Soul … The music inspired me a lot. I think the over-accessorized scooters, with luggage racks, fog lights and mirrors, look cool’.

Along with the book, you’ve also been filming interviews and events. Do you have plans for a documentary?
‘Yes, indeed. I have a lot of uncut material, but no time for editing at the moment as I am busy working on a new book project. Last week I had an radio interview at the BBC, and after the show, I had a couple of people contact me about the material. I would love to do a documentary and the material is good. I just need the right person to do the job’.

There is a party this weekend in Brighton at “the Brighton Modernist Sixties Weekender” to celebrate the launch of the book. Is this the official exhibition of this work and can you talk a little about the context in which the work will be shown?
‘It is the book launch and outdoor photo exhibition, with XXL 15 foot prints. Some of the photos featured in the book will be displayed on the wall of sea life opposite the pier. Everyone will have the chance to view a high quality outdoor photographic exhibition for free. The prints were made with the new Oce Arizona 350 GT on canvas and the image quality is as sophisticated and stylish as the Mods are!’