BARBERS OF MELBOURNE Photos, Text and Graphic Design by Damien Loverso, 2011
PREFACE This book takes a peek inside some of the more traditional barber shops of Melbourne. The idea was to document what could be described as an endangered business in a modern world. The barbershop is a classic representation of local business and self employed owner operated establishments. Barber shops are currently thriving in Melbourne, they are back in vogue. During the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s the clientele of barbers was significantly less due to a change in fashion of the younger demographics. There is something about the traditional barber shop that sets them apart from other hair salons and the idea behind this project was to capture this feeling in photographs. The barber shop is a mans world. Men of all ages visit for social interaction, commentary and a classic cut. Barbers are proud people and rightfully so. Many of the barbers featured in this book learnt the skill at a very young age and have been cutting hair all of their life. They have a wealth of experience and are the true masters of the “short back and sides” cut.
CON’S HAIR DRESSING 136 Bridport Street, Albert Park
GIUSEPPE SQUATRITO Shop 1, 215 Barkly Street, Footscray.
PIPPO’S SALON 9 Lygon Street, Carlton.
DOMINIC & ROSS HAIR STYLISTS 151 Sydney Road, Coburg.
THE MELBOURNE BARBER SHOP 394 Russell Street, Melbourne.
ROCKIT BARBER SHOP 546 Collins Street, Melbourne.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to all the barbers who took part in this project: Con Gamvrellis Giuseppe Squatrito Pippo Ross from Dominic & Ross Hair Stylists George Nichas from the Melbourne Barber Shop Fabian & Evan from Rockit Barber Shop Thanks also to: Friends and Family our cat Sergio Peroni and special thanks to Haylee.