David Bowie’s secret final project, an unfinished musical set in 18th-century London, has been uncovered from his locked study and is now part of the V&A Museum’s collection. This discovery highlights Bowie’s enduring interest in historical narratives and satire.
The project, titled “The Spectator,” was found in Bowie’s New York office after his death in 2016, with notes pinned to walls and stored away, accessible only to him and his personal assistant. Archivists cataloging his belongings discovered these materials, which have since been donated to the V&A Museum and will be available for public viewing.
Bowie’s notes reveal a deep engagement with “The Spectator,” a daily periodical from 1711-1712, where he summarized and scored essays, such as a morality tale about two sisters that he rated eight out of ten for potential subplots. He was also amused by accounts like that of Mr. Clinch, who could imitate various sounds with perfection.
His fascination extended to the criminal underworld of 18th-century London, with references to figures like Jack Sheppard, a petty thief who won public affection, and Jonathan Wild, a vigilante involved in law enforcement. Bowie envisioned dramatic scenes, including public hangings and attacks by notorious gangs like the Mohocks.
According to historian Prof. Bob Harris from the University of Oxford, London during that era was a vibrant, diverse city with a population over half a million and a lively media scene, which provided rich material for satire and likely captivated Bowie’s artistic sensibilities.
Madeleine Haddon, lead curator at the V&A, speculates that Bowie might have drawn parallels between the Enlightenment period and contemporary politics, considering the role of art in societal commentary during his work in the US in 2015. This suggests a reflective aspect to his creative process.
The David Bowie Centre, opening on September 13, 2025, at the V&A East Storehouse in London, will make these archives accessible, offering fans and scholars insights into Bowie’s multidisciplinary approach and inspiring future generations of artists.