London - A vast archive of David Bowie‘s personal belongings, including iconic costumes, handwritten lyrics, and instruments, will open to the public on September 13 at the David bowie Center at the V&A East Storehouse in London, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the creative process of a musical icon. the collection, amassed over decades, has already captivated musicians and artists eager to connect with Bowie’s legacy.
The archive’s unveiling comes as renewed interest in Bowie’s work continues to flourish,influencing contemporary artists across genres. The V&A’s collection promises to be a vital resource for scholars, fans, and creators alike, providing direct access to the artifacts that shaped a generation and continue to inspire. The opening marks the culmination of years of work cataloging and preserving Bowie’s extensive personal archive, ensuring his artistic impact endures for future generations.
Musician Moby recalls being profoundly impacted by Bowie’s Low album, specifically the use of the EMS Synthi AKS synthesiser, stating it was a version of Bowie he “could claim for my own.” He expressed a desire to see the synthesizer, having been influenced by Brian Eno‘s work on those albums, and recently working with Pete Townshend’s vintage synth collection.
Def Leppard’s Joe elliott highlighted the enduring power of Bowie’s songwriting, expressing a wish to view the handwritten lyrics to “Life on Mars.” He described the song as “a beacon of brilliance” and envisioned displaying the lyrics alongside his original lyrics of Marc bolan’s “One Inch Rock.”
