How teenage dreams shape our lives

A series of new videos and an exhibition at the National Graphene Institute explore how teenage experiences and dreams shape our later lives. It is based on research with women in their seventies and eighties reflecting on their teenage experience in Britain in the 1960s and 1970s.

This was a time of real change. Girls often stayed at school longer, which meant more qualifications, and for some of them this meant well-paid careers. Some, but not all, could access the pill. Teenagers with money to spare could buy pop music records, follow the latest fashions and save up to travel.

Our Teenage Kicks videos show their dreams for their future. From daydreaming about what it would be like to drive a car, or even just to wear trousers, to dreams of travelling to different countries, getting married, and delaying children until the family finances were secure.

Each of the eight women reflects on how their teenage experiences affected how their lives turned out. For some, like Joyce, dreams are cut short. She was planning on training as a teacher, but had to leave school when her mum got ill and she was needed at home. 

Others, like Andrea, achieve some of their teenage dreams. Now retired, she is rekindling her teenage interest in politics and social justice, taking part in climate protests and volunteering at her local food bank.

You can see Andrea’s story at the National Graphene Institute until September. The gallery is viewed from the street outside NGI, so no need to check opening times.

Alternatively, you can see the whole Teenage Kicks exhibition online, read the zine or watch the video.