The Third Element | A Tribute From The Terraces 1980s
In the mid-1980s, UK football terraces were alive with passion, loyalty, and tribalism – coming together with raw intensity. These terraces were the beating heart of British football culture, where fans congregated en masse to support their teams through thick and thin. Each terrace had its own distinct atmosphere, from the boisterous chants and colourful banners to the palpable tension that electrified the air before kickoff. Casual fashion reigned supreme, with supporters proudly flaunting their designer labels, embodying a unique blend of sports fanaticism and street style.
As time has past, many of the iconic stands and terraces of yesteryear have either evolved beyond recognition or completely disappeared. Terrace culture in the UK – and around the world for that matter – has always remained a symbol of community and identity for football fans across the UK, serving as a testament to the enduring power of football.
The Lower Block photo zine – The Third Element – is a series of gritty and intimate photographs by renowned photographer Steve Pyke MBE that documents life on the terraces in the mid 1980s, taking in White Hart Lane, Highbury, Upton Park, Wembley and Filbert Street. The limited edition A5 zine contains 31 black and white photographs across 44 pages.
The Third Element | Steve Pyke
A series of intimate and gritty photographs that document life on the terraces in the mid 1980s, taking in White Hart Lane, Highbury, Upton Park, Wembley and Filbert Street. The zine also includes an emotive tribute by the photographer to his father.
A limited edition A5 zine containing 31 black and white photographs across 44 pages.
Pyke’s project comes together to form a tribute from the terraces, in which through powerful and emotive words, Pyke pays tribute to his own father.
Ask yourself – who introduced you to football or took you to your first match? It’s most likely, that it was your Dad.
For Pyke, like so many of his generation and before that, his relationship with his father wasn’t the easiest. There was love, but also a type of disconnect. Football though, that was the thing that brought them together and united them forever. As Pyke so eloquently puts it;
“When all else fails, we turn to football… I found my father in football, it was our Third Element.”
Pyke’s powerful tribute supported by his brilliant photographs make the project instantly relatable for anyone who’s connection with football, also plays a part in the relationship they have with with their father.
Born a Leicester City supporter, Pyke’s photographic career has taken him all over the world, from football terraces around the country to red carpets and studios with some of the music industry’s most iconic stars.
The Third Element – “The Third Element” represents a unifying force or catalyst that brings two people together, acting as an apex or focal point in their relationship. This third element could take various forms, such as shared interests, values, or goals that create a strong bond between the individuals. For example, in a relationship, the third element could be a mutual passion for a particular hobby, like supporting a particular football team, which serves as a common ground for the couple to connect and build their relationship upon.
Filbert Street Football Stadium, nestled in the heart of Leicester, England, served as the iconic home ground for Leicester City Football Club for over a century. Originally constructed in 1891, Filbert Street witnessed countless moments of sporting history unfold. It was a hallowed ground for Leicester supporters, particularly during the 1980s , exuding both fervent support and a sense of camaraderie. Among these fans were the notorious Leicester City Baby Squad, known for their passionate allegiance to the club. However, as football evolved and modernisation beckoned, Filbert Street eventually succumbed to the march of time. In 2002, after 111 years of hosting footballing drama, the stadium closed its gates for the final time, making way for Leicester City’s move to the state-of-the-art King Power Stadium.
The Boleyn Ground, affectionately known as Upton Park, stood as the beloved home of West Ham United Football Club for over a century. Constructed in 1904, it bore witness to countless moments of triumph and despair, becoming an intrinsic part of East London’s cultural fabric. In the fervent atmosphere of the 1980s, football fans flocked to the Boleyn Ground. Among them were the notorious ICF (Inter City Firm) associated with West Ham, a group whose reputation for fervent loyalty sometimes spilled into violence. The terraces of Upton Park were their domain, where chants rang out and tensions simmered, embodying the raw passion and tribalism of English football at the time. However, as the sport underwent transformations and safety concerns grew, the Boleyn Ground met its end in 2016, making way for West Ham’s relocation to the London Stadium.
White Hart Lane, the iconic stadium that stood as the hallowed home of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club for over a century, underwent a significant transformation in the early 21st century. Originally constructed in 1899, it was a place where dreams were made and history was written. However, as the demands of modern football necessitated state-of-the-art facilities, plans were set in motion for its redevelopment. In 2017, White Hart Lane bid farewell to its faithful supporters, closing its doors to make way for a new chapter in Tottenham’s storied history. The decision to rebuild was met with mixed emotions, as fans grappled with bidding adieu to the beloved stadium that had been their sanctuary for generations. Yet, amidst the nostalgia, anticipation mounted for the dawn of a new era. The new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium rose from the ashes of its predecessor, boasting cutting-edge amenities and a capacity to rival any in the world.
Highbury Stadium, the historic home of Arsenal Football Club, stood as a bastion of football tradition and excellence for nearly a century. Constructed in 1913 in the heart of North London, Highbury was more than just a football ground; it was a symbol of Arsenal’s rich history and storied past. The stadium bore witness to countless moments of triumph and glory, serving as the backdrop for some of the club’s greatest achievements. However, as the demands of modern football evolved, Highbury’s capacity and facilities began to lag behind. In 2006, Arsenal bid farewell to their beloved home, closing the chapter on an iconic era in the club’s history. The decision to move to the state-of-the-art Emirates Stadium marked a new beginning for Arsenal, ushering in a new era of success and ambition.
Wembley Stadium, the legendary home of English football, underwent a monumental transformation in the early 21st century. Originally opened in 1923, Wembley was synonymous with iconic moments in the sport’s history, hosting historic matches, cup finals, and memorable events. However, as the decades passed, the need for a modern, world-class venue became evident. In 2000, the decision was made to rebuild Wembley Stadium, signaling the end of an era and the dawn of a new chapter in English football. The ambitious project aimed to create a stadium befitting the stature of the game, with cutting-edge facilities and a seating capacity to rival any in the world. After years of construction, delays, and anticipation, the new Wembley Stadium was unveiled in 2007. With its iconic arch soaring high above the London skyline, Wembley Stadium stood as a symbol of footballing excellence and national pride.
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