Aug 28: Freddie Mercury at the V&A

“I like to be surrounded by splendid things. I want to lead a Victorian life surrounded by exquisite clutter”

Freddie Mercury, 1978

There is a new free Freddie Mercury exhibition starting at the V&A in October and runs through until early 2027.

Freddie Mercury | Splendid Things marks what would have been the singer's 80th birthday by showcasing some of his looks from the 1970s-80s, spanning both his time in Queen and his solo career. the display is spread throughout the building. 

The trail has six stops, each showcasing a different high of Mercury's career within a dramatic setting in the museum's galleries — specially-placed mannequins posed to channel Mercury's stage presence.

The outfits on display — seven of which have been loaned by Mary Austin, Mercury's former fiancée and confidante of 20 years — include:

• A monochrome outfit which Queen fans may recognise from the cover of the band's 1973 debut album. Mercury also wore it at an early Queen gig at Imperial College here in London.
• The Mercury Wing catsuit, designed by Wendy de Smet, made famous in the Bohemian Rhapsody video, also worn by Mercury during the 1975-6 Night At The Opera tour.
• The crown and cloak designed by Diana Moseley, worn on the Magic tour, including Mercury's last appearance with Queen, on stage at Knebworth in 1986.
• The costume worn by Mercury in the Made in Heaven music video during his solo career away from Queen.

Accessories and items from Mercury's personal wardrobe are also on display, offering an insight into the man he was off stage, and away from the spotlight.

Jun 3: Lost venues at the V&A

Earlier in the year, John Medd kindly provided a guest post on lost music venues, based on a poster for a band called 'Girl' - go and read it now if you haven't already.

There is now an exhibition on at the V&A in South Kensington on the same theme.

This Rolling Stone piece explains:

More than 150 objects are showcased in the display, with a large proportion being obtained after the V&A put out a public call for items last year.

As per NME, the exhibition is split into four different sections. 

The first explores how dance halls and cinemas became purpose-built music venues in the 1980s. Featured items in this section include artefacts linked to the iconic Manchester club The Haçienda, fashions from brands like Dr. Martens and Converse, and even the original 1985 sign for the Astoria, which has been loaned by Damon Albarn.

I plan to visit next Monday as I'm in the V&A anyway for a meeting ahead of the RGS AGM and Awards and summer reception.

Update

Some photos are in a Flickr album here.

I like this collection of back stage passes...