From the iconic Ziggy Stardust outfits to handwritten songs and fan letters, a new David Bowie archive will soon be unveiled in London.
Starting Saturday, Bowie enthusiasts and scholars can explore around 90,000 items at the David Bowie Centre at the VA East Storehouse in East London, by appointment.
Celebrated as a “chameleon” for his ever-evolving artistic identity, Bowie seamlessly blended music, fashion, drama, and art, leaving a vast collection from his 50-year career.
He passed away from cancer in 2016 at 69, just two days after his final album, Blackstar, was released.
Harriet Reed, Curator of Contemporary Performance at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), poses with David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust guitar at the David Bowie Centre in the V&A East Storehouse in London
The archive boasts 70,000 photos, 400 costumes, 150 instruments, and personal journals. A separate exhibition of 200 items delves into Bowie’s artistic innovation.
“Our displays trace Bowie’s evolution as a multifaceted artist, showcasing his lasting impact on pop culture and the transformative power artists like him hold,” lead curator Madeleine Haddon explained, calling him a “true polymath.”
The collection also includes Post-it note ideas from his New York office for an 18th-century musical titled The Spectator, a project he contemplated near his life’s end.
The musical concept draws from historical figures like painter William Hogarth and thief Jack Sheppard.
“We can only speculate on his final vision for this project,” said Harriet Reed, curator of contemporary performance at the VA museum.
“The archive offers a captivating glimpse into Bowie as both artist and individual,” Reed added. “He’s an inspiration to all.”
