We've decided to get to know some of our local businesses & event organisers a bit better - and today we speak to Nicky Weller from This is The Modern World...

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Please tell us about yourself and your involvement in "This is The Modern World"  

My name is Nicky Weller, I'm 59 years old and have been in the music business since I was 21, I worked with my brother Paul Weller on tour until 2010. In 2015 I launched an exhibition at Somerset House in London called ‘About the Young Idea’, a retrospective look at the band The Jam, with my partner Russell Reader and business partner (at the time) Den Davis.  We then took the exhibition to the Cunard Building in Liverpool in 2016 for a sell-out 4 months, both exhibitions were a great success.  In 2022 I am curating a new exhibition in Brighton called 'This Is The Modern World' incorporating memorabilia from The Jam and The Style Council, accompanied by gigs, Q & A’s, book-signings and daily curator tours.

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What is new about 'This is The Modern World'?   

There will be some original pieces from the last two exhibitions, but also a huge range of recently uncovered posters, photos and items from The Jam as well as The Style Council items that haven’t been displayed before.

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What do you love most about what you do? 

I’ve loved doing the exhibitions and I’m looking forward to a new challenge in Brighton - the home of Quadrophenia as well as where The Jam played their last show in 1982. I'm also looking forward to welcoming all the mod rallies that take place over the August bank holiday weekend.

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What’s the best thing about your work? 

Meeting new people and also the old faces that have been following The Jam and Paul Weller since 1977.

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What’s your average day like, or is it ever average? 

On an average day when I’m not doing the exhibition I am sifting through material for our archive and maintaining links with the scene by working at The Modfather and honing my tour skills by working as a tour guide in London.

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What is the biggest challenge or opportunity currently for you at the moment? 

Well I think the last year and half has been a challenge for everyone with the pandemic… and having had Covid twice I am just delighted to be here!

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What's your favourite memory of Brighton? 

My Dad was born in Brighton in 1931 so we have spent many holidays and days out there in the past, plus being on tour with my brother we have done some great shows there. I especially remember the last Jam gigs at the Brighton Centre, I was the support act in a dance troupe call the Eton Rifles which was supposed to be a joke but the audience hated us!

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→ This is The Modern World exhibition will be in Brighton from 29th July - 3rd September 2022