If you find yourself wandering through the Victoria and Albert Museum in London this summer, prepare to be swept away by the vibrant energy of Taylor Swift fans, affectionately known as Swifties. Many will be adorned in costumes inspired by her Eras Tour, complete with colorful friendship bracelets. The excitement stems from the new exhibition titled “Taylor Swift: Songbook Trail,” which showcases 16 of the pop icon’s most iconic outfits, alongside instruments, awards, and personal artifacts from her extensive career.
This exhibition is not confined to a single gallery; instead, it is a captivating journey through the museum’s vast spaces. Each installation is strategically placed to create a dialogue with the museum’s architecture and its permanent collections. Visitors will embark on a treasure hunt, navigating past Renaissance sculptures, medieval tapestries, and 18th-century paintings to uncover the next Swiftian gem.
The exhibition features 13 stops, each designed to reflect the non-chronological nature of Swift’s Eras Tour. The displays are crafted by Tom Piper, renowned for his theatrical work, including the iconic poppy installation at the Tower of London. Kate Bailey, the museum’s senior curator for theater and performance, has overseen the project, ensuring that each chapter deepens our understanding of Swift as an artist.
While Taylor Swift herself did not select the items for the exhibition, her archive generously provided access to a wealth of materials. Bailey faced the challenge of narrowing down the selections to just one or two garments per era, all while coordinating the exhibition’s timeline to coincide with the second leg of the Eras Tour in London.
The first stop on the trail is the “Lover” era. Visitors enter through the grand archway on Cromwell Road, ascend two flights of stairs, and are greeted by a display featuring the silk Versace shirt and loafers Swift wore in her self-directed music video for “The Man.” Accompanying these items are the wig and facial hair that transformed her into a millionaire playboy, her director’s chair, and the best-director VMA she won for the video. A golden string of light weaves through the display, echoing the imagery from the “Willow” music video, where Swift follows a golden trail.
As you take in the “Lover” display, don’t forget to appreciate the surrounding artworks. The installation is flanked by sculptures of Venus and Diana, symbols of feminine power, while behind it, the 19th-century Valhalla mosaics celebrate male artistry, playfully nodding to the themes of “The Man.”
Next, visitors can make their way to the Britain galleries to discover the “Reputation” era. Here, a large-scale image of Swift is accompanied by the sequined ensemble she wore during the Reputation tour, along with the snake-adorned microphone and snake-printed Gucci boots from a secret listening session. The choice of this location is significant, as the adjoining rooms feature Victorian Gothic revival elements, including ornate vases with coiled-snake handles, creating a thematic connection to the “Reputation” era.
Continuing the journey, the third stop is the “Speak Now” era, located in the music room of Norfolk House. This enchanting space showcases the sugary pink Reem Acra gown and ballet shoes Swift wore on the back cover of Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), along with the ukulele she played during the Speak Now world tour. The installation is a visual feast, with the album’s music playing in the background, immersing visitors in the romantic atmosphere.
The “Red” chapter follows, featuring Swift’s ruffled Tadashi Shoji gown from the “I Bet You Think About Me” video, displayed alongside her iconic cap from the cover of Red (Taylor’s Version). This installation is set against the backdrop of an 18th-century state bed, its plush crimson drapes echoing the materials of the garments and the cozy spirit of the “Red” era.
As visitors continue through the galleries, they will encounter the “Fearless” installation, where Swift’s elaborate dress from the “Love Story” tour is perched on a balcony, accompanied by a copy of Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. This display is situated in the prestigious Raphael gallery, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling Renaissance paintings.
The “1989” chapter features two glittering costumes from the 1989 world tour, presented alongside the magnificent Raphael Cartoons. Bailey emphasizes the importance of showcasing a female artist in this space, highlighting Swift’s evolution as she broke free from her country roots to establish herself as a pop superstar.
The journey through Swift’s musical output continues with the “Evermore” chapter, where visitors will find the angelic Zimmerman dress from the “Willow” music video. This installation is adorned with pages from the original storyboard, connecting Swift’s creative process to the Victorian genre paintings surrounding it.
Next, the “Folklore” installation features a moss-covered piano, candles, and Swift’s cardigan from the “Cardigan” music video, artfully left on the stool as if she has just stepped away. The serene atmosphere is enhanced by the sound of birdsong, evoking the quiet, reflective period during which the album was created.
The exhibition culminates in the Prince Consort gallery, transformed to celebrate “Midnights,” Swift’s re-records, and her broader cultural impact. This space features the ornate ballgown from the “Bejeweled” music video, the silk Ulla Johnson smock from Fearless (Taylor’s Version), and a selection of her most memorable magazine covers.
As visitors exit the Midnights room, they will discover the latest addition to the exhibition: a display of the black, ruffled top and matching skirt from the music video for “Fortnight.” This installation is accompanied by an antique typewriter and a sculptural display of blank pages, symbolizing Swift’s creative journey.
The final stop on the trail takes visitors to a section dedicated to Swift’s childhood and early talent. Here, screens display a combination of childhood photos and the music video for “The Best Day,” celebrating her relationship with her mother. Above it hangs the facade of a 17th-century timber home, symbolizing a domestic space and connecting to this era of Swift’s life.
The “Songbook Trail” is a treasure trove of Easter eggs for fans to discover, with connections waiting to be made. Bailey recalls a visit from a group of superfans who spotted details she had never considered, highlighting the emotional experience of being in close proximity to Swift’s personal artifacts.
The exhibition runs until September 8, 2024, and is free to visit, with a digital map available for visitors to navigate the trail. As the V&A continues to attract visitors, the “Songbook Trail” stands as a testament to Taylor Swift’s cultural impact and the joy she brings to her fans.
Source: Various News Articles
