Barbican Exhibition Puts Bond in Gallery To Mark 50 Years Of 007
This summer the Barbican marks the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film franchise, from 1962’s DR NO to this year’s SKYFALL, by joining forces with EON Productions to create a unique exhibition designed by Ab Rogers, curated by the Barbican and guest-curated by fashion historian Bronwyn Cosgrave and Oscar®-winning costume designer Lindy Hemming. The exhibition is supported by Swarovski.
With unprecedented access to EON’s archive, Designing 007 – Fifty Years of Bond Style is a multi-sensory experience where screen icons, costumes, production design, automobiles, gadgets, special effects, graphic design, exotic locations, weapons, stunts and props combine to immerse the audience in the creation and development of Bond style over its auspicious 50 year history.
Highlights include gadgets and weapons made for Bond and his notorious adversaries by special effects experts John Stears, Syd Cain and Chris Corbould; artwork for sets and storyboards by production designers Sir Ken Adam and Peter Lamont and costume designs by Bumble Dawson, Donfeld, Julie Harris, Lindy Hemming, Ronald Patterson, Emma Porteous, and Jany Temime.
On display too will be lavish screen finery produced for the six actors who played Bond and his sidekicks over five decades by Hollywood costume designers and major fashion names including Giorgio Armani, Brioni, Roberto Cavalli, Tom Ford, Hubert de Givenchy, Gucci’s Frida Giannini, Douglas Hayward, Rifat Ozbek, Jenny Packham, Miuccia Prada, Oscar de la Renta, Anthony Sinclair, Philip Treacy, Emanuel Ungaro and Donatella Versace.
Lindy Hemming, costume designer said: In our exhibition, we intend, having explored the contents of the extensive EON archives, to thrill visitors with an insight into some of the design processes involved in the many different areas of making the Bond films.
Bronwyn Cosgrave, fashion historian added: Elements integral to the entire production process of the Bond films are showcased to illuminate their ground-breaking craftsmanship and design ingenuity.
Nadja Swarovski, Member of the Swarovski Executive Board, added: 2012 is set to be a thrilling year for the Bond franchise and for Swarovski! Over the years we have added glamour and sparkle to the costume and set designs of numerous Bond films, and because of this historical relationship it felt only natural that we would support the Bond legacy in this innovative new exhibition.
Designing 007 will transform the Barbican spaces, including The Curve and The Pit, to take the audience on a journey through 50 years of Bond style.
The exhibition runs from 6 July – 5 September 2012 Visit Exhibition