David Bowie’s final project prior that he worked on up to his death in 2016 has been revealed to be an “18th century musical” called The Spectator, and the notes for the project are set to be displayed at a new exhibition at the V&A East Storehouse in London.
Bowie had been working on the musical alongside his final album, Blackstar. The existence of the unfinished work is said to have been unknown “to even his closest collaborators”. When archivists gained access to his private study after his death, they became aware of the project.
Bowie also used a separate notebook to compile his thoughts on essays from the 18th century daily publication The Spectator, which covered the cultural happenings of London society between 1711 and 1712.
Both that notebook and Bowie’s notes for his musical will be displayed at the V&A East Storehouse’s new David Bowie Centre, which opens on September 13. The exhibition includes 200 select items from Bowie’s archive, including song lyrics, stage costumes and his desk. Visitors can however book an appointment to view anything from the collection, which totals 90,000 pieces, in person by filling out this form.
The permanent centre at the V&A East Storehouse follows the David Bowie Is exhibition at the V&A in 2013, which became the most visited display in the museum’s history.
