MARVIN x Blitz: Legendary Blitz Club Takes Center Stage in New Exhibition at London’s Design Museum
Outside the Blitz Club in 1979.
Photo by Sheila Rock
Sometimes impact is a moment — a space, a time, a community that defines itself in its own terms. And London’s famed Blitz Club was just that. With its free and authentic spirit, the nightspot resonated through ‘80s music and culture with enduring influence. In the first exhibition dedicated to its legacy, “Blitz: the club that shaped the ‘80s” opens September 20 at the Design Museum in London. With more than 250 garments, photos, artworks, vinyls, and memorabilia on view, including rare and never-before-shown objects, the club’s full story is brought to life. Through these pieces of music history, the exhibition gives light to all Blitz was.
“There was real creativity and ingenuity at the Blitz Club. Much of what is shown in the exhibition includes personal archives from the Blitz Kids themselves, directly from their collections,” curator Danielle Thom tells MARVIN. “This is the first time so much of the original fashion worn to and designed with the club as its inspiration has been collected together and seen. It speaks to individual stories and experiences, and the larger social context, to create a true sense of what it was to be in that place at that time.”
Spandau Ballet performing at the Scala Cinema in 1980.
Photo by Graham Smith
Highlights of the show include Spandau Ballet’s 1970s Yamaha synthesizer used to write and record their first album, Journeys to Glory, and Gary Kemp’s original handwritten lyrics to their first hit single, “To Cut A Long Story Short.” One of four “Blitz Kids” featured in David Bowie’s Ashes to Ashes music video, Darla-Jane Gilroy’s clerical robes and collar worn on set, will also be on view. Other Blitz Kids’ ensembles include Chris Sullivan’s blue tartan suit that he designed and wore on the front cover of The Face, Steve Strange’s leather clothing, and an innovative look from Bodymap co-founder, David Holah. Renowned milliner Stephen Jones’ early hat designs will be shown with fashion work by Sade, who would later find fame as a singer. The original first issues of The Face and i-D magazines, which were born out of the culture of the Blitz Club, will be shown alongside images, audio interviews, and music videos, reflecting the vivid spirit of the club.
Read the full feature in the MARVIN British Invasion Issue. Click HERE to purchase.
