The north of England, rich in its music scene, sub-cultures and distinctive style, has made contributions far-and-wide to the history and image of modern day Britain. But, it’s safe to say that based far outside of the London bubble, it rarely gets its due credit.

Now, an exhibition showing at Somerset House from 8th November - 4th February is shining a light on how the north of England, captured throughout the mid-20th century in art and photography, continues to influence designers, artists and photographers all over the world.

Blaze from the Water's Edge, 2007 © Michelle Sank

The show, North: Fashioning Identity, was first held fittingly at Liverpool’s Open Eye Gallery last year and is curated by Show Studio’s editor-at-large Lou Stoppard and lecturer at the Manchester School of Art and Central Saint Martins Adam Murray.

Pink lipstick,1983 © Tom Wood

The exhibition features over 100 photographs, fashion garments and artworks, from celebrated photographers like Alasdair McLellan ,Nick Knight, and Corinne Day who captured the grit and spirit of life in the north's remote towns and big cities. While works from designers like Manchester-born Paul Smith, Belgium Raf Simons and Off White’s Virgil Obloh show the breadth of influence that these images of the northern life and style have had on fashion globally.

Untitled, Manchester, 1997 (c) Jason Evans

You’ll leave wanting to jump on a train heading north, that’s for sure.

North:Fashioning Identity opens 08 November 2017 – 04 February 2018 at Somerset House