Bowie‘s Iconic Knitwear & 90,000 Artifacts Unveiled in Landmark V&A Archive
London – A trove of David Bowie’s personal archive,encompassing over 90,000 items including handwritten lyrics,costumes,set designs,and instruments,has officially opened to the public at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum in London.The collection offers an unprecedented glimpse into the creative process of the cultural icon, with early highlights including the instantly recognizable knitted jumpsuit designed by Kansai yamamoto for Bowie’s 1972 Ziggy Stardust tour - a garment notable for its daring, nipple-baring design.
The archive, meticulously assembled over decades by Bowie himself before his death in 2016, was acquired by the V&A in 2013. Its public unveiling marks a pivotal moment for Bowie fans and scholars alike, providing a thorough resource for understanding the evolution of his artistry and influence. The collection’s significance extends beyond music, encompassing fashion, theater, film, and performance art, reflecting Bowie’s multidisciplinary approach to creativity. researchers and the public can now access materials documenting his entire career, from his early bands to his final album, Blackstar.
The archive’s breadth is staggering. Beyond the Ziggy stardust knitwear, it includes over 70,000 photographs, films, notebooks filled with song ideas, and examples of Bowie’s visual art. Items from key eras like Aladdin Sane, the Thin White duke, and his Berlin period are all represented. The V&A has digitized a significant portion of the archive, making it accessible online alongside physical access for researchers.
According to the V&A,Bowie personally oversaw the cataloging of the archive,demonstrating his commitment to preserving his legacy for future generations. He envisioned the collection as a resource for artists and innovators, hoping to inspire new creative endeavors. The archive is not simply a static display of artifacts; the V&A plans to use it as a springboard for ongoing exhibitions, research projects, and educational programs.
