Peter Stevens has been kind enough to chronicle his trip to the Mick Jones Rock and Roll Public library for a viewing. It’s a unique view inside the exhibition and the man behind it so please read on – over to Pete.

Rarely in life do you have the chance to be personally creative on behalf of one of your own long-standing creative idols. Perhaps on this particular occasion I was putting myself under pressure unnecessarily. In the mid 1980s, realising the world didn’t need another vaguely average guitarist, I turned my attention towards photography. I was armed with Pennie Smith’s seminal photographic book ‘The Clash – Before & After’ and the first dozen issues of The Face magazine.

Meanwhile, Mick Jones was turning his energy towards creating Big Audio Dynamite. Amusingly, the first review I can clearly remember in one of the inkies, referred to the new group as “Mick Jones’ Flying Circus”. The rest of the world was playing catch-up again as he mixed numerous musical styles into an infectious concoction of beats and samples.

Fast forward now, a quarter of a century later, to Mick Jones’ relocated, revamped and considerably bigger ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ Public Library’ in Acklam Road W10 on a balmy, but typically grey July evening in London.

Now it all makes complete sense !

On ascending the staircase, with its fluorescent Clash pink walls, I was greeted by a grinning Robin Banks, resident Clash prankster and famous as the subject of ‘Stay Free’….and just for the record he never smoked menthols ! Jamie and Ade lead me through to a lounge area, which is dominated by artist Ilyanna’s colourful wheel from last year’s Carbon Casino residency. A very large stuffed toy tiger reclines across the top of an old sofa, seemingly engrossed in an episode of EastEnders currently playing on the TV.

Until Friday evening I’d never seen a baby pigeon or indeed Mick Jones sporting a grey cardigan, but a few moments later the latter emerged from a large glass sided storeroom, sporting said garment and clutching a pile of magazines. I was greeted with that familiar toothy smile and a warm handshake. We’d exchanged a few words at Billy Bragg’s ‘Jail Guitar Doors’ event the previous Sunday and again the following Wednesday evening at the ‘private viewing’, but this was different. Mick seemed to be in a relaxed and thoughtful mood, contemplating opening the doors to the public the following morning.

Inside the library

The ‘private viewing’ on Wednesday had been a private viewing Mick Jones style. On home turf just off the Portobello Road, a large area directly under the Westway, that symbol of Clash mythology, was opened up for guests. There was live music and a free bar, with smoke from the jerk chicken barbeque, swirling round. The large gathered crowd was treated to the unique talent that is Beans on Toast, as well as other local artists and the crowd happily wandered in and out of the exhibition.

Playing under the Westway

Mick’s flying circus has landed and his painstaking placement of thousands of pop cultural artefacts was anything but random. There are carefully constructed 3-D pictures, each placement meticulous. For Mick this is a very personal exhibition and beyond the obvious rock memorabilia aspect, and if you dig a little deeper, you will find much to engross you and for those who have an interest in twentieth century popular culture it’s absolutely fascinating.

TO BE CONTINUED……..

1. Keeping up with Mr Jones (part 2)
2. Terry Chimes & Mick Jones exclusive from Rock n Roll Library
3. Mick Jones in Hoops? Secret(ish) gig, Ellen Foley and more
4. Mick’s magic library
5. Mick Jones…a very busy man plus Bernard Rhodes makes a list
6. Mick Jones magic locker, Johnny Depp and some Joe Posters
7. Mick Jones on the BBC, Best Double Albums ever, and Clash fans in the desert