Calling all David Bowie lovers! We have one of the diaries for you, as Ferens Art Gallery is set to host a landmark national tour from the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum), celebrating the creativity and enduring cultural impact of David Bowie. From the depths of the V&A David Bowie archives, 100 highlights have been brought together – many that have never been on public display before – for David Bowie: On Tour, which will travel to venues across the UK.
Set to visit Hull in early 2028, the tour marks the first time highlights from David Bowie’s archive have been shared on this scale across the UK outside of London. The museum’s collection comprises more than 90,000 items spanning Bowie’s career, from iconic costumes and lyric sheets to photographs and personal notes.
David Bowie: On Tour unfolds in four sections, each offering its own viewpoint on Bowie’s creative life. Beginning with Bowie Through a Lens, exploring how photography shaped Bowie’s image and identity; next is All the Somebody People, focusing on Bowie onstage and in the studio across four defining eras; before the third, Hooked to the Silver Screen, his ground-breaking on-screen performances; before finishing at I Can’t Give Everything Away, exploring Bowie’s interest in time, documenting his process and legacy.
Hull Live reports, Councillor Jackie Dad, deputy leader of Hull City Council and portfolio holder for culture, said: “It is incredibly exciting to announce that in 2028, the Ferens Art Gallery will host David Bowie: On Tour, in partnership with the V&A. Hull has a legendary connection to David Bowie through the Spiders from Mars, and the mark they left on music history.
“David Bowie: On Tour builds on the momentum of the Ferens centenary celebrations in 2027 and reflects Hull’s long-standing contribution to music and culture. It is part of the city’s continued ambition to strengthen its profile as a world class music destination that belongs on the global stage.”
Kerri Offord, curator of art at Ferens Art Gallery, said: “We are incredibly excited to bring the story of David Bowie to Hull. It will be a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience his iconic style, sound and lyrics through an eclectic array of objects. Visitors will be able to immerse themselves in Bowie while exploring objects that tell the story of his artistry and the man behind the many personas.
“For the people of Hull this will also be a truly unique experience as we explore the early years of Bowie’s career with the Spiders from Mars, and the many stories and connections in the region.” Sir Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A, said: “David Bowie: On Tour is a landmark national partnership for the V&A, bringing highlights from David Bowie’s extraordinary archive to audiences across the UK for the first time.
“Working with our colleagues in museums and venues nationwide, we’re opening up Bowie’s story in the places connected to his life and legacy, ensuring people across the country can experience these remarkable objects where they live, and be inspired by his enduring creativity.” David Bowie: On Tour has been developed by V&A Touring and V&A National Programmes, in collaboration with partner venues across the UK, and is curated by Harriet Reed, curator of contemporary performance at the V&A.
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Feature Image Credit: Wikicommons
