Mod mania hits Brighton Museum

The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958–66 exhibition coincides with 20th Brighton Mod Weekender and additional new display ‘Through My Eyes’ by Mod photographer, Dammo, adds fresh look on modern day mod life.
Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a vibrant journey into one of the most stylish and rebellious eras in British culture. The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958–66 is already proving to be a major draw as mod style returns to its cultural home in Brighton.
Legacy of a Mod legend
Curated by the late Roger K. Burton, the pioneering collector, founder of the iconic Contemporary Wardrobe Collection and a true Mod at heart, the exhibition showcases rare, original Mod clothing. From sleek tailored suits to bold geometric prints, each piece reflects the energy and attitude that defined a generation.
Burton, who died in July at the age of 90, left an extraordinary cultural legacy. Over five decades, he dressed characters in films such as Quadrophenia, Absolute Beginners, and Young Soul Rebels, and worked with music legends including David Bowie, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The In Crowd was one of his final projects and stands as a fitting tribute to his passion for British subcultural style.
Anniversary year for Brighton Mod Weekender
The exhibition coincides with the 20th Brighton Mod Weekender 2025 (21–24 August), when the city will once again be buzzing with scooters, live music and sharp fashion. In addition to the major exhibition at Brighton Museum, Mod enthusiasts can explore a new display by photographer Dammo who has snapped the actual ‘in’ crowd for nearly two decades.
Through My Eyes is a striking display in the Museum’s local history gallery. Now in its 14th year, the project follows the Weekender as organised by the New Untouchables, capturing both new faces and long-time enthusiasts whose style and energy keep the Mod scene alive. Displayed alongside an iconic Lambretta scooter, the display celebrates the flair and spirit of Brighton’s Mod culture and surrounds a bench to allow for selfies or the opportunity to sit and think about Brighton’s vibrant past.
Decades of memories
Also on display at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery (23 May 2025 – 4 January 2026) is Ben Sherman: The Decades, a vibrant retrospective celebrating the Brighton mod brand’s heritage and influence on fashion and youth culture. The exhibition features signature shirts, Harrington jackets, 12 dressed mannequins, iconic imagery, and interactive QR-code activities offering visitors a chance to win exclusive Ben Sherman merchandise.
Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums says:
“Brighton Museum is an absolute hub of Mod nostalgia this weekend from past to present and we look forward to welcoming all those that come to Brighton to celebrate this spectacle.
“We feel truly privileged that we had the opportunity to work with Roger on what became one of his final projects, and are able to showcase his work and collection, sharing his remarkable passion for Mod fashion with the public.
“It is a fitting tribute to Roger that today’s Mods will be arriving in Brighton this August for the milestone 20th year of the Mod Weekender, and many will undoubtedly come along to admire Roger’s collection, allowing his dedication to Mod culture to live on.”
The In Crowd: Mod Fashion & Style 1958–66 sponsored by Ben Sherman, Ben Sherman “The Decades” and Dammo’s ‘Through My Eyes’ photography display are open now at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery until 4 January 2026.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays, 10am-5pm. Admission applies
