In 1989, celebrated photographer Ingrid Pollard captured a striking image of three 15-year-old boys dressed head-to-toe in identical shellsuits, the epitome of late 80s youth fashion. The photo, taken on the eve of their south London school’s closure, became an iconic representation of the era. But for over three decades, the identities of these “shellsuit boys” remained a mystery – until now.
The iconic image recently resurfaced as part of Pollard’s exhibition at Tate Britain, The 80s: Photographing Britain. Seeing the photo on Instagram and a BBC London post, a woman recognized one of the boys as her friend Mark De-Lisser. In a remarkable twist of fate, De-Lisser had maintained close ties with the other two – Edmund Rudder and Marcellous Copeland – bonded by their shared experiences at what Copeland described as a “very tough and maniacal school.”
Overcoming Adversity, Achieving Success
Despite leaving Tulse Hill School at just 15 with few qualifications, all three young men went on to forge impressive careers:
- Mark De-Lisser, now one of Britain’s leading voice coaches, has worked on hit shows like The Masked Singer and runs his own successful choir group.
- Marcellous Copeland transitioned from investment banking into a thriving property business.
- Edmund Rudder has held leadership roles at major visitor attractions, including the View from the Shard.
Their paths are a testament to the resilience and potential of youth, even in the face of challenging circumstances. As De-Lisser reflected, “My church bans electronic music, so the voice is very important. In fact, the voice itself is really a beautiful instrument.” It was this foundation that helped propel him to success.
A Symbolic Reunion
The three men, all still residing in south London with their families, reunited with Pollard at the Tate just before her exhibition opened. For Pollard, who had often wondered about the boys’ fates, it was a profound moment:
“From time to time, I would wonder what had happened to those boys… because it was a very special photo.”
– Ingrid Pollard
Copeland echoed the significance of the image and the reunion, noting, “That photo represents what Tulse Hill School was all about. A lot of differences but everyone pulling together. We were lucky too to have some really good teachers.”
An Enduring Snapshot of an Era
The 1989 shellsuit photo, with its vibrant colors and carefree spirit, encapsulates the essence of 1980s youth culture. More than just a fashion statement, the image represents a moment in time, a snapshot of three young lives on the brink of adulthood and all its possibilities.
As the exhibition at Tate Britain showcases Pollard’s work and this unforgettable image, it serves as a reminder of the power of photography to capture and preserve stories, emotions, and cultural moments. The mystery of the shellsuit boys may be solved, but the photograph’s ability to resonate across decades remains as strong as ever.
For Pollard and the three men, this chance reunion and recognition of a shared history marks the start of a new chapter. Pollard plans to host a larger gathering in January, giving each of the shellsuit boys a copy of their iconic 1989 photo – a tangible memory of a fleeting moment that, 35 years later, still manages to captivate and inspire.
