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Unboxing the David Bowie Archive
One-day course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Tickets available from 10.00 on Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Join us as we explore in detail the David Bowie Archive Cataloguing Project, a project to plan, process and catalogue the David Bowie Archive.
Through lectures, tours, Q&As and object sessions with archivists and curators, the day will include in-depth insight into the archive, including the complexities of processing this landmark acquisition and highlights and discoveries made along the way.
Archivist Sabrina Offord and Curator Harriet Reed, who led the cataloguing project, will introduce the day and give an overview of the archive itself, with the cataloguing team providing fascinating glimpses into different areas of the collection, from Bowie’s unrealised projects to alternate costumes for Ziggy Stardust.
Attendees will view items up-close in the Study Centre including archival material and objects, giving unique insight into how Bowie himself organised and used his archive. They will also receive a tour of the David Bowie Centre, including a display of highlights from the archive.
For more details on how our courses work, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A.
Suitable for participants aged 18 or over.
For more details on how our courses work, see V&A Academy online questions · V&A.
Suitable for participants aged 18 or over.
Study Day Leaders
Harriet Reed and Sabrina Offord
Harriet Reed is Curator of Contemporary Performance at the V&A and is part of the curatorial team behind The David Bowie Centre. Sabrina Offord is a professional archivist and is the archive lead on the David Bowie Archive Project.
Well, the ‘Unboxing’ David Bowie event was nothing short of a sensation. My wife and I enjoyed every single moment. You could really feel your passion for David Bowie. Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
Course overview
Join us for a day with the David Bowie Archive Cataloguing Project team, who will unpack how this major acquisition was planned and processed, as well as revealing some of the highlights and discoveries along the way!
You'll explore:
The cataloguing project
Amazing stories from items in the collection
Unique insights into Bowie's organisation of the materials
By the end of this study day, you will have explored in depth the project to catalogue and process this landmark acquisition. You will learn from people who worked with David Bowie, and you will explore the archive itself.
Ready to dive deeper? Take a look at the full course programme by clicking 'download programme' below.
You'll explore:
The cataloguing project
Amazing stories from items in the collection
Unique insights into Bowie's organisation of the materials
By the end of this study day, you will have explored in depth the project to catalogue and process this landmark acquisition. You will learn from people who worked with David Bowie, and you will explore the archive itself.
Ready to dive deeper? Take a look at the full course programme by clicking 'download programme' below.
Membership Priority Booking will open at 10:00 BST on Wednesday 24 June 2026. General Booking will open at 10:00 BST on Wednesday 8 July 2026.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Get precious time with incredible exemplars, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.
Enrol now
One-day course: Unboxing the David Bowie Archive
12 October 2026
£150.00
Tickets not available yet
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
Header image: Photograph of David Bowie applying make-up as Ziggy Stardust. Photography taken by Mick Rock, 1973. Image courtesy of Mick Rock/the Victoria and Albert Museum