🎥 Viewfinder: The Lens That Captured UK Skateboarding

In the late '90s, when British skateboarding was still finding its voice, a group of passionate filmmakers and skaters decided to document the scene in a way that felt raw, real, and unapologetically local. That project became Viewfinder—a name that would go on to represent one of the most influential video-magazine series in UK skate history.

📼 Origins: A DIY Dream

Viewfinder was born in 1997, the brainchild of four creative minds: John Cattle, Alan Glass, Ben Powell, and Tom Moore. These guys weren’t chasing fame or fortune—they were chasing footage. With VHS tapes, handheld cameras, and a shared obsession for skateboarding, they stitched together a visual diary of the UK skate scene that was as gritty as it was glorious.

The first issue dropped in 1998, and it was unlike anything the UK had seen. While American productions like 411VM dominated globally, Viewfinder carved out a distinctly British identity. It showcased skaters from every corner of the country, from local legends to visiting pros, all captured with a sense of urgency and authenticity that felt like a love letter to the streets.

🎬 What Made Viewfinder Special?

Viewfinder wasn’t just a skate video—it was a cultural time capsule. Each issue blended skate footage with music, humor, and oddball segments that gave it a personality of its own. It was unpredictable, eclectic, and proudly unpolished. The series ran through five issues, with the final installment embracing the DVD format and diving deep into archival clips, UFO sightings, and other visual oddities.

What set Viewfinder apart was its commitment to inclusivity. It wasn’t about the biggest tricks or the most famous names—it was about documenting everyone. That ethos made it a beloved platform for up-and-comers and underground heroes alike.

🛹 Riders and Sponsorships

While Viewfinder wasn’t a traditional skateboard company in the sense of producing decks or gear, it did play a pivotal role in promoting skaters. Riders like Paul Silvester (aka “Man”) gained national attention through their parts in Viewfinder. The series also featured appearances from skaters like Mark Baines, Flynn Trotman, and Alex Moul, among many others.

Viewfinder collaborated with brands and tours—like the Osiris Shoes Tour—and helped spotlight talent that might have otherwise slipped under the radar. In that way, it acted as a kind of unofficial sponsor, giving skaters a platform to shine and build their reputations.

📡 Where Are They Now?

Though the golden age of Viewfinder wrapped up in the early 2000s, its legacy lives on. John Cattle continues to be involved in skateboarding through projects like Wight Trash, a grassroots skate brand and community initiative based on the Isle of Wight. Ben Powell has remained a key figure in UK skate media, notably through Sidewalk Magazine. Alan Glass and Tom Moore have pursued creative paths, with Moore now recognized as a talented painter.

viewfinder# issue 2 - Skatepark Montage

viewfinder# issue 3 - Osiris Shoes Tour

viewfinder# issue 4 - Welsh Section