Don McCullin as a young boy, 1945.  (DM 74)

Born in Finsbury Park, North London in 1935, Don McCullin’s childhood was dominated by the Second World War.  His earliest memories are of air raids, evacuation, fear and deprivation.  The disruption which the War brought to his family life and education had lasting consequences for him. 

Life remained difficult after the end of the War. In 1950, the death of his father forced Don McCullin to leave school and find work.  At the same time, he fell in with the violent gangs who dominated North London in the 1950s.