David Bowie: Images of an Icon
A chameleonic figure, Bowie periodically reinvented himself, creating on-stage personas such as Ziggy Stardust and the Thin White Duke
David Bowie
The V&A holds a unique collection of David Bowie photographs, album sleeve artwork and memorabilia, charting the creative process of one of the most pioneering and influential performers of modern times.
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Tracing Bowie’s shifting style and sustained reinvention across five decades, highlights include artwork for the Diamond Dogs album, iconic photographs by Kevin Cummins and Terry O’Neill, and a set design for Bowie’s successful Serious Moonlight tour. The collection features several collaborations with artists and designers, demonstrating how Bowie’s work was influenced by and also influenced wider movements in art, design, theatre and contemporary culture.
Collection highlights
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David Bowie Serious Moonlight Tour '83, poster, by Mick Haggerty, 1983, UK -
Aladdin Sane, record sleeve, designed by Duffy and Philo, about 1970, UK -
David Bowie, photograph, by Terry O'Neill, 1974, London, England -
Set model, by Derek Boshier, 1982 – 83, London, England -
Poster, 1978, Germany -
David Bowie, photograph, by Kevin Cummins, mid 1970s, UK -
Isolar, poster magazine, designed by David Bowie, 1976, California, US -
Poster, 1973, England -
David Bowie Then: 1973, drawing, by Barbara Nessim, 2013, New York, US -
Diamond Dogs, vinyl, produced by David Bowie, made by Guy Peellaert and Leee Black Childers, made for RCA Records, 1973 – 74, Barnes, England
Features
David Bowie artistic collaborations
David Bowie was an artist who didn’t fear the talent of other artists, but instead drew energy and inspiration from their work
Fashion in Motion: Kansai Yamamoto
Kansai Yamamoto presented new and archive pieces spanning his four decade career, including recreations of his designs worn by David Bowie
Background image: Background image: Photograph of David Bowie, Kevin Cummins, 1970s, Uk. Museum no: S.1326-2010. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London