Happy 18th, Big Issue

Gordon Roddick, who with his wife Anita ran the Body Shop, came up with the idea for a UK street paper in 1991.

Front cover, The Big Issue, July 2009 - Florence and the machine Photograph: The Big Issue

Roddick asked the Body Shop Foundation to back his plan, without success. He then teamed up with his old friend John Bird, an ex-rough sleeper who had worked in the printing industry.

Front cover, The Big Issue, May 2001 - The green issue Photograph: The Big Issue

Bird describes the first issue as comparable to "a bad student magazine". Today circulation, despite the recession, is a steady 147,000 copies a week.

The Big Issue - David Beckham interview Photograph: The Big Issue

The Big Issue provides self-employment for 2,500 people in the UK. Big Issue vendors buy the magazine for 75p and sell it for £1.50.

Front cover, The Big Issue, March 2004 - George Michael exclusive Photograph: The Big Issue

Versions of the magazine are sold from Australia to Japan, South Africa to Namibia.

Front cover, The Big Issue Japan, 2006 Photograph: The Big Issue

Front cover, The Big Issue Australia, October 2008 Photograph: The Big Issue

The magazine has campaigned on issues relating to homelessness ...

Front cover, The Big Issue, June 2000 - Stop Repossessions Photograph: The Big Issue

... and has pursued politcal stories at home and abroad.

Front cover, The Big Issue, January 2009 - Politics issue Photograph: The Big Issue

Distinguished guest editors have been invited to put their stamp on the magazine.

Front cover, The Big Issue - Jamie Oliver as guest editor Photograph: The Big Issue

Front cover, The Big Issue - Katharine Hamnett as guest editor Photograph: The Big Issue

Milestones have been celebrated as the years have gone by.

Front cover, The Big Issue, 2001 - 10th birthday edition Photograph: The Big Issue

Yesterday, four Big Issue vendors visited Downing Street to mark The Big Issue's 18th Birthday.

Front cover, The Big Issue South Africa Photograph: The Big Issue

Cover stars, vendors and Big Issue readers have all contributed to a publishing success story and have cause for celebration.

Front cover, The Big Issue - Arctic Monkeys Photograph: The Big Issue

From Roddick's original idea, a lifeline for many has grown.

Front cover, The Big Issue - Jarvis Cocker Photograph: The Big Issue

Happy 18th Birthday Big Issue.

Front cover, The Big Issue, February 2009 - Kate Winslet Photograph: The Big Issue