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Bowie's Lost Treasures Surface at V&A Dundee
3 Nov
Summary
- First exhibition of items from the V&A London's David Bowie archive.
- Features Bowie's first saxophone and songwriting stopwatch.
- Highlights Bowie's significant connection to Scottish fans and venues.
The V&A Dundee is hosting "David Bowie: On Tour," the first exhibition to feature artifacts from the singer's personal archive, now housed at V&A London. This collection offers a rare glimpse into the artist's life, with 100 items from the vast 90,000-piece archive on public display for the first time.
Among the revealed treasures are David Bowie's first saxophone, a Christmas gift from 1961, and the stopwatch he used while composing. A letter of complaint from his 1973 London neighbors and an advance copy of The Velvet Underground's "I'm Waiting for the Man" are also featured.
The exhibition also delves into Bowie's significant relationship with Scotland. It highlights his early performances in Dundee in 1966 and his impact on Scottish fans, including those who remember his Ziggy Stardust shows. Numerous Scottish concerts, such as those at Glasgow Apollo and Edinburgh's theatre venues, are explored.
Curator Svetlana Panova noted the vivid memories Scottish fans hold, emphasizing their dedication in preserving keepsakes that help tell Bowie's story. The exhibition underscores how Bowie meticulously documented his career, using his archive to revisit and rework past projects, solidifying his legacy as an influential artist.
