Ged Wells’ Insane Clothing was one of the defining features of the UK skate scene at this time. It always seemed to me that Insane was part of a very long and distinctive strand in British culture — one which resonated strongly with the spirit behind R.a.D.
Ged was also a huge direct influence on the magazine as a contributor, counsellor and critic.
One day I hope to have time to write more about how important this was.
[Edit: 10-03-2011 — But for now you should take a look at this excellent article about Insane Clothing ]
8 responses to “Insane Clothing Advert”
It’s weird seeing all the ad’s you’re posting up again because, as is only natural as you move on in life, these symbols and imagery leave your memory and when you see them again, the remembrance smacks you in the face. Being just the age when I yearned for everything, but could afford nothing (school kid, see) the advertisers took on mythical status. All the, in somecases crude or homespun, logo’s and graphic styles of the ad’s have so much meaning to me and actually start a tiny, weak pang of yearning all over again.
If you’re yearning for Ged’s work I believe he’s still producing stuff. I’m not quite sure where to get hold of it these days, because I am so woefully out of touch.
Somebody help us out here, please…
Well your in luck! Ged and I will be relaunching Insane this Summer – starting with a website and then with product in stores. In fact we’re in production as I type. You can give me a call on 07957 141 846 – Heidi
That’s amazing news. I bought R.A.D. regularly around 1990-91 and I loved Insane stuff. My favourite tshirt was my black sherbet fountain one and I had the big strawberry girl’s t as well. I also bought (and still have) the video Mouse is Pulling the Key, which leads me onto my question for Heidi / Ged: I have a blank tshirt at the moment that I would love to screen print with the MiPtK or spiral penguin designs, but would’nt go ahead without permission.
Could you possibly post a reply or a contact email address? Thanks very much and looking forward to the new products! – Christine.
Hi Christine. Thanks for the comments it’s great to hear you were and still are such a fan of Insane – strawberry has always been my favourite! Unfortunately we can’t allow any reproduction of Insane designs as we’ll probably produce a ‘retro collection’ in the near future. However please send me your email address and I’ll definitely keep you posted. Ged’s got an exhibition opening this Saturday 6th May at Queens Wood Lodge Gallery, Muswell Hill Road, it will run until June 14th so you cant take a peak at his latest work. My email address is heidi@insanelondon.com, look forward to hearing from you.
I was in Slam City yesterday and they had two sheets of Insane stickers. They said they guy who started Insane was just in picking up a few things. They said he is going to be doing something with a Japanese store in the summer.
In response to the above, my dear other half was a huge fan of insane clothing when he was a young scally. now an old(er) scally, i was trying to track down a hat with a cow on that he talks fondly of. i contacted Ged and have just received a painting that i commissioned him to do for Valentines day. Not only is it amazing (cow as a storm trooper), he also seems a lovely bloke and enclosed a handwritten note about the inspiration for the cow logo.
if anyone wanted any artwork at all, i’d just contact him, and he’ll pull something out of the bag! x
hi guys this brings back so many memories from my skating days,i still have an origonal insane t shirt with the big strawberry on the front and the insane lettering on the back will never throw it out,would be great to see some re-issues of these iconic clothing label,especially the sqaure bannana,and of course the little washing instructions that always make me chuckle thanks barry scotland