JAKARTA - The music world is looking again at a modest house on the outskirts of South London. The independent charity Heritage of London Trust (HOLT) has officially announced plans for a massive restoration of the childhood home of glam rock legend, David Bowie.
The residence, located in Plaistow Grove, Bromley, Kent, is scheduled to open to the public at the end of 2027 as a historical heritage site that tells the beginning of the legendary journey. The building is not just an old property, but a silent witness to the transformation of David Jones into David Bowie.
Bowie lived in this cottage for 12 years, from the age of 8 to 20 (1955-1967). In the narrow room measuring 9 x 10 feet, the teenage Bowie began to weave his big dreams before the world knew him through the persona of Ziggy Stardust.
In 1966, he decided to change his stage name to David Bowie to avoid confusion with The Monkees' lead singer, Davy Jones.
This ambitious project will return the interior of the house to its original appearance as in the early 1960s. HOLY is working with curator Geoffrey Marsh, who previously successfully organized the popular exhibition "David Bowie Is" at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Based on in-depth archival research, every corner of the room will be reconstructed exactly as it was when Bowie's father was still working at the Dr. Barnado charity and his mother was working as a waitress.
In addition to being a museum, this site will later function as a creative space for young people through the Proud Places and Proud Prospects programs. Inspired by the Beckenham Arts Lab founded by Bowie in 1969, this location will hold various art skills workshops to build the confidence of the next generation.
"It's amazing to have this opportunity to tell her story and inspire a new generation, and it's so important for London's heritage to preserve this site," said Dr. Nicola Stacey, Director of the Heritage of London Trust, quoted by Variety, Friday, January 9.
He added that Bowie was a proud Londoner, who despite his global career, never forgot his roots.
The museum's arrival complements Bowie's historical point in Bromley after the Bromley City Council and Heritage of London Trust had previously restored the "Bowie bandstand" at the Croydon Road Recreation Ground in 2024.
The venue was an Edwardian stage where young Bowie performed in 1969. Unfortunately, other historic buildings such as Haddon Hall in Beckenham, where Bowie composed his legendary works between 1969-1973, were demolished in the 1980s, so the house at Plaistow Grove is now a very crucial site.
George Underwood, Bowie's childhood friend and the one who accidentally caused Bowie's left eye to permanently enlarge due to a teenage fight, also gave his thoughts.
"We spent so much time together, listening to and playing music. I've heard a lot of people say that David's music saved them or changed their lives. It's amazing he was able to do that and even more amazing that it all started here, from such a small beginning, in this house," said Underwood.
"We are dreamers, and look at what he became," he concluded.
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