Discover David Bowie’s Final Masterpiece: An 18th Century Musical Revealed in New V&A Exhibition

David Bowie’s last creative endeavor before his passing in 2016 was a musical called The Spectator. This revelation comes from an exhibition showcasing his vast archive at the V&A East Storehouse.

Bowie based The Spectator on an 18th-century newspaper of the same name, which operated in London from 1711 to 1712. His notes show he was intrigued by characters like Jack Sheppard, a charming but infamous thief, and Jonathan Wild, the man who led to Sheppard’s downfall. Bowie also explored the Mohocks, a rowdy gang of wealthy young men known for their drunken antics and violent behavior.

The curator of the exhibition, Madeleine Haddon, noted that Bowie was deeply interested in how art and satire evolved during this period. “He seemed to be pondering the role of artists in society and how they commented on the world around them,” she explained.

Bowie’s passion for musical theatre was evident throughout his life. He often cited Anthony Newley as an inspiration and studied dramatic arts with Lindsay Kemp. In a 2002 interview, he expressed a desire to write for the theatre, hoping to reach a large audience.

The public can view Bowie’s notes and the desk where he crafted them when the David Bowie Centre opens on September 13, 2023. This center will feature 200 items permanently and allow visitors to request access to materials from his enormous 90,000-piece archive.

This new center builds on the success of the David Bowie Is exhibition at the V&A in 2013, which set a record for visitor numbers in the museum’s history.

Interestingly, Bowie’s final completed work was his album Blackstar, which debuted just two days before he died. This album has gained significant acclaim, often interpreted as a farewell message. According to a recent survey by the British Phonographic Industry, Blackstar remains one of the top-selling vinyl records in the UK.

Bowie’s influence continues to resonate in contemporary culture, underscoring his lasting impact on music, art, and theatre. For insights into Bowie’s life and works, you can explore additional resources through reputable sources like the BBC.

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