A vast archive dedicated to David Bowie has officially opened in London, giving fans and researchers access to the legendary artist’s life and work.
From Saturday, visitors with appointments can explore 90,000 items at the David Bowie Centre at V&A East Storehouse in east London. The archive spans five decades and highlights Bowie’s extraordinary career across music, fashion, art, and theatre.
David Bowie, often called the “chameleon” of rock music, was known for reinventing his artistic persona. His career combined creativity across different fields, leaving behind a rich legacy. Bowie died of cancer in 2016 at the age of 69, just two days after releasing his final album, Blackstar.
The collection features 70,000 photographs, 400 costumes, 150 instruments, and personal notebooks. Around 200 items are on display, showcasing how Bowie’s influence extended beyond music into popular culture and creative practices.
Curators revealed that the archive even includes Bowie’s handwritten ideas for an unfinished musical called The Spectator. The notes, found in his New York office after his death, referenced 18th-century figures such as painter William Hogarth and thief Jack Sheppard.
Lead curator Madeleine Haddon described Bowie as a “true polymath,” saying the displays show how his evolution as a creative figure continues to inspire artists today. Harriet Reed, curator of contemporary performance, said the archive gives a rare glimpse into Bowie’s process as both an artist and a human being.
Fans will also see iconic “Ziggy Stardust” costumes, handwritten lyrics, and personal letters, offering an intimate look at one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
The David Bowie archive stands as a permanent resource for those eager to study and celebrate his enduring cultural impact.
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