Outfits, musical instruments, and other items loaned by U.S. musician Taylor Swift are now on display at London’s V&A Museum in a special summer exhibition. Titled Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail, the exhibition features 13 installations spread across various galleries in the museum.
“It’s a journey through the museum,” explained curator Kate Bailey. “We explore different chapters of Taylor Swift’s career, highlighting various eras and showcasing items and outfits worn by Taylor throughout her career in different museum spaces.”Bailey and her team had access to Swift’s personal archives to select items for the theatrically designed installations, strategically placed in galleries that correspond with key moments in the 14-time Grammy winner’s career.
The exhibition includes customized cowboy boots worn by a young Swift early in her career; the wig and facial hair from the ‘The Man’ music video; reproductions of hand-drawn storyboards for the ‘Willow’ music video; and a golden microphone with snake details used during the ‘Reputation’ stadium tour.Also featured are the ukulele Swift played on the ‘Speak Now’ world tour and the fisherman cap from the ‘Red (Taylor’s Version)’ album cover.
Bailey noted, “This project moved quickly, allowing me to select works that showcase not just costumes but also musical instruments and objects reflecting her entire career and creativity.
It’s the first time we’ve done a trail like this, and the first time these items have been displayed in the UK, so it’s incredibly exciting and free to visit.”The Taylor Swift Songbook Trail will be on view at the V&A South Kensington from June 27 to September 8, and the trail takes approximately 60-90 minutes to complete.
