AA-2026-241241
On the image
A small group of friends takes a moment by the ocean in the 1970s, presenting their best version of effortless cool for the camera. The woman on the left, sporting an elaborate afro and large sunglasses, stands with the kind of confident stance that suggests she has perfected the art of looking natural while being acutely aware of the lens.
In an era of self-expression, their outfits — the plaid jacket, the flowing trench coat, the patterned shirt — were carefully chosen to signal both individuality and adherence to the prevailing trends. They embody the decade's particular brand of casual formality, where even a relaxed seaside outing required a specific aesthetic statement.
This impromptu portrait captures the universal human need to document a moment, proving they were there, they looked good, and they definitely had some good times, even if the poses suggest a slightly more serious endeavour than pure recreation.
The historian's note
This photograph captures three individuals in a coastal setting during the 1970s. The attire and hairstyles exhibited by the subjects are characteristic of the decade's fashion trends, including the prominence of natural hairstyles such as the afro, large eyewear, and distinctive patterns in clothing.
Such images are typical of leisure and vacation photography from the period, reflecting an increasing public engagement with travel and outdoor recreation. The informal group portrait became a common way to record personal experiences and social connections.
Subjects & keywords — each links to a search
Visually related — by likeness
1970s Group Portrait by the Sea. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-241241. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/1970s-group-portrait-by-the-sea.
@misc{aaAA2026241241,
title = {1970s Group Portrait by the Sea},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-241241},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/1970s-group-portrait-by-the-sea}
}TY - ART TI - 1970s Group Portrait by the Sea PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-241241 UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/1970s-group-portrait-by-the-sea ER -
From the community
Identifications, corrections, and discussion from readers — reviewed by a librarian before appearing here.
Sign in to add an identification, correction, or comment.
No notes yet — be the first to add what you know about this image.