David Bowie in East London

Crafting David Bowie’s image was a collaborative and ever-evolving process. Many east London-born creative practitioners had an influence, including photographer Terry O'Neill, tailor and clothes designer Freddie Burretti, and couturier Alexander McQueen.

The David Bowie Archive, housed here at Storehouse on the second floor, documents these processes and invites us to consider how collaboration can enrich creativity.

Written by: David Bowie Archive cataloguing team

Published: April 2026

Collecting Stories

Museum Number
LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.1532-2024
Description
Costume
Artist/Maker
Freddie Burretti
Location and Date
United Kingdom, Early 1970s
Materials/Techniques
Lame, Cotton, Machine sewing, Hand sewing
Object information
Museum Number
S.597-2024
Description
Jumper
Artist/Maker
Alexander McQueen
Location and Date
Italy, 2015
Materials/Techniques
Wool, Metal, Thread, Machine knitting, Machine sewing, Embroidery, Printing, Engraving
Object information
Museum Number
LOAN:AMERICASFOUNDATION.2152-2024
Description
Clutch
Artist/Maker
Terry O'Neill
Location and Date
China, 2010s
Materials/Techniques
Paper, Synthetic fabric, Printing ink, Metal, Cardboard, Plastic, Machine sewing, Printing
Object information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/212
Title/Description
Photograph of David Bowie and Freddie Burretti, by Brian Ward
Artist/Maker
Ward, Brian
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1970
Materials/Techniques
Black and white photograph taken by Brian Ward. Photograph features David Bowie sat in a Mr Fish garment with tailor and designer Freddie Burretti behind him.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/216/1
Title/Description
Handwritten note to David Bowie from Alexander Mcqueen
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
2002
Materials/Techniques
Handwritten note addressed to David Bowie from Alexander McQueen. The message is written on 'Alexander McQueen' embossed paper and reads "Dear David, Hope you like the suit. Thanks for doing this. Let's hook up soon! All the best, Lee x". The note refers to a suit Alexander McQueen sent to David Bowie during The Heathen Tour in 2002.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/216/2
Title/Description
Alexander McQueen envelope addressed to David Bowie
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
2002
Materials/Techniques
Envelope which contained a note to David Bowie from Alexander McQueen, regarding a suit Alexander McQueen sent to David Bowie during The Heathen Tour in 2002.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/217
Title/Description
Photograph of David Bowie in Alexander McQueen Coat, by Nina Schultz
Artist/Maker
Schultz, Nina
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1996
Materials/Techniques
Colour photograph of David Bowie posing in a distressed canvas Union Flag frockcoat designed by Alexander McQueen. Data from the David Bowie estate indicates this may have been taken for publicity relating to the 1. Outside album or tour. This coat was worn later for the cover of the album Earthling.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/213
Title/Description
Photograph of David Bowie, by Terry O'Neill
Artist/Maker
O'Neill, Terry
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1974
Materials/Techniques
Black and white contact sheet containing 12 photographs of David Bowie with a dog, taken by Terry O'Neill during a promotional photography session for Diamond Dogs.
Item information
Reference Code
DBA/TEMP/214
Title/Description
Photograph of David Bowie, by Terry O'Neill
Artist/Maker
O'Neill, Terry
Archive Department
Theatre and Performance
Date
1974
Materials/Techniques
Black and white contact sheet containing 12 photographs of David Bowie, taken by Terry O'Neill during a promotional photography session for Diamond Dogs. These photographs were used by artist Guy Peelaert for reference while painting the artwork for the Diamond Dogs album cover.
Item information