Carnaby Street Celebrating 50 Years

2010 marks the 50th anniversary of Carnaby Street, with a year of events and celebrations.  Since the Swinging ‘60s this iconic street is synonymous with cutting edge fashion, music and youth culture.

The first event, an innovative exhibition and limited edition book of the same title; ‘Carnaby Street: 1960 - 2010’ launches on Friday 26 February for 6 weeks, at 38 Carnaby Street, W1.  The exhibition will put into context the history of Carnaby from its earliest origins in the 16th Century to the present day with a focus on the 1960s.

The central feature of the show is a unique 3D timeline which illustrates key people, events and happenings in the area from being a green field site with a windmill 500 years ago, to the iconic characters associated with Carnaby’s music heritage such as The Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols and Jimi Hendrix.  The limited edition book will feature images from ‘60s photographer Philip Townsend and exclusive interviews with people who have lived and worked in Carnaby including The Who’s Pete Townshend.

Historical exhibits, many revealed for the first time, include items borrowed from The Museum of Soho and pictures sourced from The Museum of London, Victoria & Albert Museum, Getty archive and private collections amongst others.  One of the areas most famous residents was William Blake, whose powerful imagery of the plague and documentation of social injustices will be featured.  The heritage material will be displayed alongside newly commissioned artwork by documentary photographer Syd Shelton and illustrator Alice Smith.  A short film by James Norton, commissioned for the anniversary will present archive film footage.

The show will be an insightful glimpse into one of the world’s best loved shopping streets and charts its continued relevance today.  The area’s 12 streets are known for unique independent boutiques, global fashion brands, award winning restaurants and nightlife, making it one of London’s premier lifestyle destinations.  More than 60% of the 135 stores in the area today are independent, with new design talent and concepts nurtured in Kingly Court and The Newburgh Quarter.

The exhibition will be followed by a series of events throughout 2010 to celebrate Carnaby’s 50th Anniversary including a live music weekend in June and a unique fashion show in September. 

www.carnaby.co.uk