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
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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.
Exploring David Bowie
David Bowie Serious Moonlight Tour poster, Mick Haggerty, 1983, Uk. Museum no. S.4618-1995. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Aladdin Sane album cover, Duffy and Philo, 1970, Uk. Museum no: E.583-1985. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Photograph of David Bowie, Terry O’Neill, 1974, England. Museum no. E.315-2011. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Poster, Derek Boshier, 1982 – 83, England. Museum no. S.432-2013. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Poster, 1978, Germany. Museum no. S.3676-1995. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Photograph of David Bowie, Kevin Cummins, 1970s, Uk. Museum no: S.1326-2010. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Isolar poster magazine, David Bowie, 1976, US. Museum no. S.1101:1 to 2-2010. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Poster, 1973, England. Museum no. S.4620-1995. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
David Bowie Then: 1973, drawing, Barbara Nessim, 2013, US. Museum no. E.117-2013. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Diamond Dogs, vinyl, David Bowie (producer), Guy Peellaert and Leee Black Childers (artists), RCA Records (record label), 1973 – 74, England. Museum no. S.3354-2013. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Learn more about David Bowie
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
David Bowie is blowing our minds
Jonathan Barnbrook on David Bowie album design
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
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Shop the official range inspired by the ‘David Bowie is’ exhibition – including books, exclusive prints, t-shirts, postcards and accessories
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Background image: Background image: Photograph of David Bowie, Kevin Cummins, 1970s, Uk. Museum no: S.1326-2010. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London