David Bowie's childhood home in Bromley, south London, will open to the public for the first time in late 2027, following a restoration project by the Heritage of London Trust. The two-up, two-down house at 4 Plaistow Grove, where Bowie lived from 1955 to 1968, will be restored to its appearance around 1963, when he was 16.
Visitors will be able to experience Bowie's tiny teenage bedroom, measuring about 9ft by 10ft, which he once described as his 'entire world'. The immersive experience will include never-before-seen archival items, such as Bowie's copies of the Observer's books on music and architecture, with his exam results and a 'David Jones Jr' signature reflecting his love of Americana.
A photograph of Little Richard, which Bowie cut out aged 10 or 11 and kept throughout his life, will be returned to its original spot on the bedroom wall. Other artefacts include Elvis Presley singles brought home by his father, who worked for Dr Barnardo's. Friends like George Underwood and Dana Gillespie have contributed memories to the project.
The restoration, led by curator Geoffrey Marsh and conservation architects Julian Harrap, will involve careful investigation of original wallpaper and paint colours. Funding includes a £500,000 grant from the Jones Day Foundation, with a public fundraising campaign starting this month.
The house will also host creative workshops for young people, inspired by Bowie's Arts Lab movement, aiming to help them navigate the music industry. A public consultation and planning applications are required before work begins.
