The Archive Shirt Collection – The 1990s

The Twisted Wheel Shirt

As we grow older, the places of our youth take on greater significance. Their reality is eroded from our minds, and replaced with visions of idealised Meccas that will live on forever in our subconscious, long after the doors are closed for the last time. From London’s 100 Club to Manchester’s Hacienda, we’ve all got that one club that acted as the centre of our universe during our formative years.

Opened in 1963, the Twisted Wheel in Manchester was one such club. Originally founded as a blues and soul café and bar near the city’s Albert Square, the bar soon became notorious for all the right reasons with those in the know, thanks to regular DJ Roger Eagle’s ability to get the 60s Manc Mods up and dancing to his new age rhythm and blues.

However, it wasn’t until the venue moved to Whitworth Street and started it’s legendary all nighters that Mods from up and down the country started to flock to Manchester, with the Twisted Wheel their only destination. At 2am each week, a soul artist such as Edwin Starr or Ike and Tina Turner would perform, and revellers would party until 7am. Say Twisted Wheel to any self-respecting Mod of the time and you’ll elicit a knowing and wistful smile.

During the 90s we were clearly feeling similarly nostalgic for the club that closed its doors in 1971, and created a shirt named the Twisted Wheel in tribute. Back once again as part of our archive collection, the Twisted Wheel shirt is constructed from premium cotton in our classic Mod fit with a three-finger button-down collar, curved hem, back box pleat and tab branded chest pocket.

The double pockets of the original are present and correct in a modern, clean twill, with the badge artwork of the original modernised slightly to take in references to a variety of subcultures.

Get your Twisted Wheel shirt here.