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.
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.
Features
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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
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Let's Dance: How Nile Rodgers made David Bowie's demo a global smash hitHow Chic's Nile Rodgers made David Bowie's Let’s Dance one of the biggest songs of the 1980s
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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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Bowie and Burretti: the Stardust duoMeet Freddie Burretti, the man responsible for creating some of David Bowie's most iconic looks
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David Bowie Centre
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Collection highlights
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David Bowie Serious Moonlight Tour '83, poster, by Mick Haggerty, 1983, UKV&A South Kensington -
Aladdin Sane, record sleeve, designed by Duffy and Philo, about 1970, UKV&A South Kensington -
David Bowie, photograph, by Terry O'Neill, 1974, London, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
Set model, by Derek Boshier, 1982 – 83, London, EnglandV&A South Kensington -
Poster, 1978, GermanyV&A East Storehouse -
David Bowie, photograph, by Kevin Cummins, mid 1970s, UKV&A South Kensington -
Isolar, poster magazine, designed by David Bowie, 1976, California, US -
Poster, 1973, EnglandV&A East Storehouse -
David Bowie Then: 1973, drawing, by Barbara Nessim, 2013, New York, USV&A South Kensington -
Diamond Dogs, vinyl, produced by David Bowie, made by Guy Peellaert and Leee Black Childers, made for RCA Records, 1973 – 74, Barnes, EnglandV&A South Kensington
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Header image:
Photograph of David Bowie, Kevin Cummins, 1970s, Uk. Museum no: S.1326-2010. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London