David Bowie's childhood home, a place of immense cultural significance, will soon open its doors to the public. This London residence, where Bowie lived from 1955 to 1968, holds the key to understanding his remarkable journey from an ordinary teenager to a global music icon. The house, located at 4 Plaistow Grove in Bromley, will offer visitors a unique glimpse into Bowie's early life and the formative years that shaped his artistic vision.
The Heritage of London Trust has recently acquired the two-story house, which will be meticulously restored to its 1963 state, when Bowie was 16. The restoration process will involve a careful investigation of the modern decorations to uncover any hidden evidence of the original wallpaper and paint colors. This attention to detail is crucial to creating an authentic experience for visitors.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the house is Bowie's tiny teenage bedroom, measuring only 9ft x 10ft. This space was a sanctuary for the young David Jones, who spent countless hours immersed in books, music, and his record player. The room will be brought to life with the help of archival items, including Bowie's copies of The Observer's books on music and architecture, which will reveal his academic achievements and interests.
A standout artifact is a photograph of Little Richard, Bowie's hero, which he cut out and stuck on his bedroom wall when he was around 10 or 11. This iconic image remained with Bowie throughout his life and will be returned to its original spot during the restoration. The house will also showcase Bowie's Elvis Presley singles, some of which were brought home by his father, who worked for Dr. Barnardo's.
The restoration project will also involve the memories of Bowie's living friends, such as the artist and musician George Underwood, who shared a school experience with Bowie, and the actor Dana Gillespie, who recalls being served tuna sandwiches during her visits. These personal accounts will add depth and authenticity to the house's history.
Funding for the restoration has been secured through a £500,000 grant from the Jones Day Foundation and a public fundraising campaign. The project aims to create a platform for young people, inspired by Bowie's Beckenham branch of the Arts Lab movement. It will offer creative and skills workshops, providing an opportunity for them to learn from Bowie's success and apply those lessons to their own lives.
However, the restoration process is not without its challenges. The house will undergo detailed planning applications, and some changes will need to be undone, such as the removal of a 1970s extension and the restoration of the original upstairs bedrooms. The internal lavatory and bathroom will also be recreated to reflect the 1960s standards.
The acquisition of the house serves as a valuable lesson in London real estate history. The previous owners, who lived in the house from 1970 until recently, offered it directly to the trust. The steep staircase, which was no longer tenable, was a significant factor in the decision. The trust is now working to uncover the original purchase price, but property records show that a neighboring one-bedroom house sold for £520,000 in August, having previously been sold for £80,000 in 1997.
Bowie's happiness at Plaistow Grove remains a complex question. While his father, Haywood, was supportive, Bowie faced challenges with his mother, Margaret. He often retreated to his bedroom to escape the living room, which may have contributed to his ambitious nature. The young Bowie's sense of direction is evident in photographs from 1963, where he appears to be focused and determined, creating his own hairstyle and sets.
The public is encouraged to engage with the restoration project by scrutinizing photos of the young Bowie at home. Anyone with matching rolls of wallpaper or other items from the house is invited to come forward and help recreate the authentic look and feel of the space. The trust also welcomes any additional memories or items that may provide further insight into Bowie's life at Plaistow Grove.
