From the publisher:
Tartan Army – Sweden 92 is a photo series by Tony Davis that follows Scotland’s Tartan Army during UEFA Euro 92 in Sweden. Davis joined Scotland fans on the terraces for their group stage matches against the Netherlands and the CIS.
The limited edition A5 zine contains 28 black and white photographs across 32 pages.
This was the first time Scotland had qualified for the Euros. Led by manager Andy Roxburgh, they boasted a team which included the likes of their captain Richard Gough, Manchester United’s Brian McClair, Leeds’ Gary McAllister, and Ally McCoist and Gordon Durie up top.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the Tartan Army, ever since seeing the hordes of Scotland fans swamp the Wembley pitch in 1977 following that historic 2-1 win against England.
As a football fan primarily interested in the culture and atmosphere away from the action on the pitch, it was completely natural for me that when I started taking photos late 80s, the Tartan Army were right at the top of my lists of international football fan groups that I wanted to follow and document.
Apart from the obvious – Tartan everywhere, heavy drinking and non-stop singing of the Flower of Scotland – the thing that struck me most was their good nature and humour. From what I gather they’ve self-policed themselves since the early 80s, so there’s no sign of any trouble – just high jinks and a strong sense of identity and pride.” Tony Davis
A renowned documentary photographer, Davis has spent several decades building an impressive archive of football culture photos that date back to the 1980s.
During that era, Davis has covered multiple World Cups and European Championships, including Italia 90, Euro 92, USA 94 and France 98.
Davis was born in Nottingham and studied photography in 1989-1991. His work has been featured widely in newspapers and magazines such as When Saturday Comes, 442, Total Sport, ID and The Face.
During the 90s Davis undertook two major projects involving football grounds, Firstly ‘The Football Grounds of Great Britain’ and then later he rephotographed all the 92 again for an interactive installation at The National Football Museum.
Although known for his Rave images, football is his main passion. He photographed football and its fans between 1989-2005 extensively, not only in the UK but all around the world.
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