Across the UK, queer saunas have provided a safe space for gay men to relax, unwind and shag. But the pandemic has brought on an uncertain future with Vauxhall’s Chariots – Europe’s largest gay sauna – closing its doors for good. Here, THE FACE investigates the likely post-pandemic outcome.
Last August, photographer Jesse Glazzard headed down to the Big Dyke Energy club night in South London for some socially-distanced queer fun. What unfolded will leave you yearning for hedonistic summer months.
Drag queen Linda Simpson was front and centre during the mid-’80s nightlife boom, snapping away at subversive figures like RuPaul, Leigh Bowery and Keith Haring. Now, these photographs have been immortalised in her debut book, The Drag Explosion.
The anonymous rave veteran is one of the scene’s sharpest storytellers. In this chapter from the follow-up to his best-selling memoir, he recalls the primitive landscape of UK club culture on the eve of the acid house explosion.
Tyrell Hampton’s new high-gloss photobook, China Chalet: Memories, immortalises the New York club-slash-restaurant that became a nightlife institution for over forty years.
The Irish nightlife pop-up has transformed during the pandemic to an extensive online passion project, charting “ephemeral spaces in club culture” throughout the years.