Uncovered: The Secret Musical of David Bowie, Set in 18th-Century London, Unearthed
David Bowie's Archive to Open at V&A Museum, Showcasing Unseen Projects and Collaborations
The V&A museum in London is set to open a new center dedicated to the late David Bowie's archive on September 13. The free-to-access center will offer visitors a unique glimpse into Bowie's creative process, featuring exhibits curated by the Brit Award-winning indie rock band "The Last Dinner Party" and music legend Nile Rodgers.
Bowie, who died of liver cancer in 2016, two days after the release of his 25th studio album "Blackstar", had a prolific career spanning over four decades. His hits include "Space Oddity", "The Jean Genie", "Heroes", "Let's Dance", "Modern Love", and "Where Are We Now?"
One of the exhibits at the center will showcase notes from Bowie's previously unknown project called "The Spectator", an 18th-century musical. These notes were found on the walls of Bowie's New York office and left unseen until his belongings were archived. The detail from this project that will be displayed in the new exhibition center is Bowie's cache of notes for the unfinished musical, including his research, character lists, and graded summaries of essays that served as material for the musical.
Madeleine Haddon, the collection's lead curator, stated that the center aims to allow visitors to get closer to Bowie and his creative process than ever before. She also mentioned that the center hopes to inspire the next generation of creatives.
In addition to the exhibits from "The Last Dinner Party" and Nile Rodgers, the center will also host guest-curated displays from other artists who were inspired by Bowie. Rodgers, who collaborated with Bowie on his "Let's Dance" album, selected a suit worn by Bowie during the "Serious Moonlight" tour for display at the center. He also picked out rare photographs and personal correspondence reflecting their shared love of music.
The Bowie center at the V&A museum houses over 90,000 items tracing Bowie's career, including 414 costumes and accessories, nearly 150 musical instruments, extensive notes, diaries, lyrics, and unrealized projects. The center will provide an opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to delve deeper into Bowie's fascinating world.
The center will showcase Bowie's fascination with art and satire in 18th-century London, as demonstrated by "The Spectator" showcased by the magazine of the same name. The publication drew inspiration from criminals of the time, including "Honest" Jack Sheppard, and Bowie's musical project was inspired by this original 18th-century publication.
The center will also highlight Bowie's influence on contemporary artists, as demonstrated by the guest-curated displays from "The Last Dinner Party", showcasing how Bowie inspired artists to "stand up for themselves and their music". The center aims to celebrate Bowie's legacy and inspire future generations of creatives.
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