The heritage project, due for completion in late 2027, will restore the “two up, two down” railway workers’ cottage to its original early 1960s appearance. Working alongside curator Geoffrey Marsh (co-curator of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s David Bowie Is exhibition) and utilising a never-before-seen archive, the restoration will recreate the interior layout exactly as it was when Bowie’s father commuted to work at charity Dr Barnardo’s and his mother worked as a waitress. This experience will centre on Bowie’s 9 ft x 10 ft bedroom – the specific site where his “trailblazing spirit” was forged.
The project transcends simple bricks and mortar; it is a living continuation of Bowie’s legacy of “free creative experimentation.” Inspired by his 1969 Beckenham Arts Lab, which offered opportunities “for everybody,” the site will host creative and skills workshops for young people. Through the Trust’s Proud Places and Proud Prospects programmes, the house will act as a “solid foundation for the next generation,” teaching confidence and communication skills in the arts. A major £500,000 grant from the Jones Day Foundation has already been secured, with a public fundraising campaign launching this month.
The house is near the Edwardian “Bowie bandstand” – where the young musician performed in 1969 – which was restored by Bromley Council and Heritage of London Trust in 2024.
Geoffrey Marsh said:
“It was in this small house, particularly in his tiny bedroom, that Bowie evolved from an ordinary suburban schoolboy to the beginnings of an extraordinary international stardom – as he said, ‘I spent so much time in my bedroom. It really was my entire world.’”
Dr Nicola Stacey, Director of Heritage of London Trust, said:
“David Bowie was a proud Londoner. Even though his career took him all over the world, he always remembered where he came from and the community that supported him as he grew up. It’s wonderful to have this opportunity to tell his story and inspire a new generation of young people.”
George Underwood, artist, musician and lifelong friend of David Bowie, said:
“We were dreamers, and look what he became.”
Caitlin Moran, journalist, broadcaster and author, said:
“The most exciting place for any fan to visit is their hero’s teenage bedroom – because that’s the cocoon where they built themselves.”
Greg Harris, President of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum, said:
“Once completed, it will provide context for the genesis of Bowie’s creativity and vision and inspire new generations to follow their dreams.”
Chris Kelly, President of the Jones Day Foundation, said:
“The Bowie House project is special because it combines music and heritage in London and will help to preserve the legacy of one of the legends of rock and roll.”
Fundraising for the project will begin in January 2026 and the project is planned to open at the end of 2027.
https://bowieshouse.org/
Pop Scoop founder and editor. Ex showbiz/tech editor at the Cyprus Mail. Former sub-editor at Archant. Former art director Sky TV. Co-founder of Kool Magazine and freelanced for the BBC, Channel 4, Warner Bros and the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation.
