There is nothing better to cheer up a gloomy autumn day than indulge in glitz and glamour, and now there is a new exhibition serving this up with gold lamé on it. This can only be one of the most iconic and influential figures of the 20th Century – Elvis Presley, writes Luigia Minichiello.
Direct from Graceland: Elvis, is a major new retrospective exploring the life of Presley in a new arts and culture venue, Arches London Bridge.
This is the most significant collection of items from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll to ever leave the gates of his home, Graceland in Memphis, and includes instruments, stage outfits and personal belongings – even his famous gold suit.
Over 400 artefacts, such as military uniforms, motorcycles and cars, and an amazing array of jumpsuits.
There are, too, personal items like Lisa Marie’s baby clothes, Elvis’s first job application and the crayon box he took to school.
The collection is vast and gives a fascinating insight into The King’s meteoric career, larger-than-life persona, influential sense of style, life at Graceland, and lesser-known aspects of his early years, hobbies and personal life.
Key periods are explored from living in a ‘shotgun shack’ in Tupelo, Mississippi, his break-out Sun Studio hits, U.S. Army service, Elvismania sweeping the world, his movies, his unforgettable “’68 Special” performance, “Aloha From Hawaii” (the world’s first live televised satellite concert)and the glamorous Vegas years.
A special feature of the exhibition is candid photos and items from his unseen life away from performing, including the EP football team made up of close friends; his American Football uniform, and his love of karate including the karate card showing lessons he took.
Fashionista’s will know that Elvis carefully crafted his own look, borrowing from eclectic sources to perfect a ground-breaking new style.
There are plenty of opportunities to get up close to some of these amazing outfits and see previously hidden details, such as the lining of his capes.
Elvis was decked out in threads from the ultra-hip Lansky Brothers store on Beale Street in Downtown Memphis. Combined with slick, coiffed hair and black mascara, his appearance was as sensational as his music.
His audacious style evolved over the decades: from the soft trousers and argyle socks of his youth to the leather rocker of 1968, to the flamboyant bling of the 1970s. Details such as the creases worn into his white leather shoes bear witness to his famous hip-shaking stage presence.
It is a testament that all these items are in such fantastic condition, and the chance to see these outfits and to appreciate the workmanship that went into creating these iconic looks is awe-inspiring.
The exhibition also moves beyond the familiar story of his musical and acting career to present his more private side – his devotion to his parents, his love of books, motorcycles, horses and karate and the haven he created in Graceland for his friends and family.
It includes garments and jewellery worn by Elvis throughout his life, personal items from Graceland, as well as vintage Elvis-branded merchandise, costumes, and scripts from the Hollywood movies and much more.
Elvis’s playful side is shown in items such as a police department uniform, badge and blue light that he owned. Apparently, he would stop cars and issue them with an Elvis autograph instead of a speeding ticket.
There is so much to enjoy in this exhibition – it is a fascinating and thorough collection curated by The Graceland Archive team, all well labelled with detailed descriptions, with an awesome soundtrack as you snake around the exhibits, plus, there is an audio guide if you need any more intel.
Direct from Graceland documents the life of an artist who single-handedly changed the face of popular culture around the globe like no-one before him or since and is a must see for any music or fashion fan, as well as those obsessed with The King.
Save yourself a trip to Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee – Elvis has come to London.
Arches London Bridge, 8 Bermondsey St, London, SE1 2ER until 26 February 2024. Admission:
Adult: From £19.90
Student discount – Must have valid ID
Child Aged 5 -15: From £16.90
To join the waiting list, book tickets or plan your journey please visit elvislondonbridge.co.uk
