Fans
of 90’s pop are in for a real treat when the much acclaimed Spiceworld
Exhibition takes up residence in the Tower Museum next week, featuring
memorabilia from the Spice Girls’ glittering pop career.
The exhibition, starting on August 16th, is
expected to be a huge draw for young and old music fans who are
interested in viewing some of the iconic items from the band’s whirlwind
success story. The exhibition includes memorabilia, costumes, shoes –
including Gerri Halliwell’s Union Jack boots - and other iconic items
from their stage and screen performances over the years. It tells the
story of how Sporty, Baby, Scary, Posh and Ginger became one of the most
successful marketing engines ever and enjoyed phenomenal global
success.
The objects have been collected by Spice Girls
super-fan Liz West, who has amassed over 4,000 pieces associated with
the girls’ phenomenal impact on the world of pop throughout the 90’s.
Tower Museum curator, Chris McGuicken, said the
exhibition would appeal to pop fans of all ages. “Traditionally, museums
have not been associated with exhibitions about pop music. Today
museums are trying harder than ever to reach new audiences, and subject
areas like the Spice Girls are likely to become increasingly popular.
“Most people remember the pop charts being
dominated by the band throughout the late 90’s, and the fact the Spice
Girls have gone on to forge their own successful solo careers makes it
an exhibition that is still relevant to younger fans today.”
According to Liz West, the exhibition has been a
labour of love since she first became a fan in 1997, as she explained:
“Certainly one of the most fascinating aspects of the Spice Girls
phenomenon is that they were marketed in nearly every way possible,
there were even drinks with their names on. It was the idea that you
could almost own a piece of the Spice Girls and consume them in every
way.”
The items include shoes and clothing worn by the
band, and even unique endorsement products such as Spice Girls dolls.
Fans can also view gold and platinum discs awarded in recognition of
their multi-million selling albums, as well as some of the front page
headlines lauding their success.
The exhibition kicks off in fine style with a
free kids costume design workshop on August 16. Art facilitator Louise
McElhinney will be on hand with plenty of glitter and sequins between
12noon-2pm to help create some unique Brit Pop costume designs. The
budding designers will be provided with special templates to draw and
colour their own costume creations.Further workshops will run on
September 1st and 8th.
The exhibition itself will be open to the public from August 16 until
October. For more information on the Spiceworld exhibition and other
pieces on show at the Tower Museum go to www.derrycity.gov.uk or www.whatsonderrylondonderry.com
