Moscow April 1989

The April of 1989 turned out to be three of the wildest weeks of my young life. Working hard and playing hard, as well as the opportunity to explore Moscow in depth - with the strangest of tour guides.

Mum's homemade jumper makes it to Red Square.
Moscow taxis - the home of black market trading.
The 1989 wedding limousine - off Red Square.
The Moscovite ladies keeping a key eye on their weight.
Outside the restaurant at Beograd II : Obligatory hats.
Out of focus - any wonder after 24 hours of drinking.
Harzardous cycling conditions.
Moscow's central exhibition park was always a popular location.
GUM : The central fountain.
More art - of course I brought some.
Who knows what the shop on the right was selling ?
The selling of junk art was a key part of The Arbat economy.
The flute and acordian drawing a crowd at The Arbat.
Every kid loves a dog.
The delights of Cuban fruit for the Russians - a delicacy.
This could be any modern day plaza in Europe full of artists - but it was 1989 in Moscow.
These were tough times for Moscovites but there remained a dignity amongst its citizens.
Just part of the enormous build at Sokorniki Park.
Beograd II Hotel : Beer for breakfast with the local ladies.
Marina my tour guide. The enimatic prostitute.
Dorset to Moscow : 2000 miles that felt longer.
Four people dressed down - but Brendan in shirt & tie. Why ?
Brendan (glasses) about to purchase the kebab that would almost prove fateful.
Lunch at big build - Pot Noodles or Baked Beans no doubt !
A pair of frosty looking gentlemen selling copies of famous paintings.
Want a portrait ? The Arbat is 'the' place in Moscow.
The actress in the top drawing that I would share dinner with.
The swinging 60's - alive and well in 1989.
A school trip to The Arbat - sharp uniforms.
This artist from the Arbat made my final graduation exhibition.
Lenin's tomb - the highest honour for any soldier.
The Gorbachov Trilby - never out of fashion.
Street cleaning across Eastern Europe was dominated by female workers.
The quiet elegance of The Arbat.
The Arbat Spring 1989 : Always bustling !