The suburban south London house where music legend David Bowie spent his formative years and penned the iconic 'Space Oddity' is set to be transformed into a public 'immersive experience'. The property at 4 Plaistow Grove in Bromley, where Bowie lived from the age of eight until he was 20, has been acquired by the Heritage Of London Trust.
A Bedroom That Forged a Star
The trust plans to meticulously restore the semi-detached house to its early 1960s appearance, using a previously unseen archive. The project is being guided by Geoffrey Marsh, co-curator of the Victoria and Albert Museum's acclaimed 'David Bowie Is' exhibition.
Marsh emphasised the significance of the modest setting, stating it was in his tiny bedroom there that Bowie transformed from a suburban schoolboy into the beginnings of a global icon. He quoted Bowie's own recollection of the house as a world of its own, separated from the family living room below.
Funding and a Legacy of Creativity
The ambitious restoration and creation of the visitor experience is backed by a major £500,000 grant from the Jones Day Foundation. A public fundraising campaign will also launch to support the project.
Nicola Stacey, Director of the Heritage Of London Trust, said the aim is to honour Bowie as a proud Londoner and use his story to inspire young people. The house will also host creative and skills workshops through the trust's Proud Places and Proud Prospects initiatives, continuing Bowie's legacy of open artistic experimentation inspired by his work with the Beckenham Arts Lab.
A Poignant Anniversary Announcement
The acquisition was announced on January 8th, which would have been David Bowie's birthday. The timing is deeply poignant, falling just two days before the 10th anniversary of his death on January 10th, 2016. It also marks a decade since the release of his final album, 'Blackstar'.
The house is located near the Edwardian 'Bowie bandstand' in Bromley, where the musician performed in 1969. The bandstand was restored by Bromley Council and the Heritage Of London Trust in 2024.
George Underwood, Bowie's lifelong friend and fellow artist, shared fond memories of their time spent at the house listening to and playing music. He reflected on the incredible journey that began in those small rooms, stating, "We were dreamers, and look what he became."
David Bowie, widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of all time, achieved five UK number one singles and 11 UK number one albums. His career was defined by constant reinvention across genres from glam rock and soul to electronic and art rock.
