The House of Annie Lennox is a free exhibition located within the Theatre and Performance Galleries at the V&A Museum. The installation has been created in a joint venture between Annie Lennox and curator Victoria Broacke, of the Theatre and Performance Department.
Although occupying a very small space, this installation packs a huge punch. It brings together more than 50 items, including costumes, photographs, documents, music videos, and other ephemera, from Annie Lennox's personal collection. The exhibition is enhanced by recorded interviews and a specially commissioned video of Annie in conversation.
Annie Lennox – About the Artist
The display explores the multi-faceted personality of the Scottish-born singer/songwriter Annie Lennox (b. 25.12.1954). The Lennox phenomenon spans four decades of musical history as well as active involvement in political campaigns, and an outstanding record of humanitarian activities.
In 1971 Lennox went to study at London's Royal Academy of Music. She formed The Tourists in 1977 with musician/songwriter Dave Stewart, and after the band broke up in 1979, Lennox and Stewart formed the Eurythmics, enjoying continuous success until 1990, and selling over 75 million albums.
Since 1990 Annie Lennox has carved out a career as a solo artist, launching her début album, ″Diva″, in 1990. An instant success, ″Diva″ sold over six million copies worldwide. Lennox is regarded as one of the finest singer/songwriters of our time. She is as well known for her music as she is for her charity work. Her name is closely linked to UNAIDS, Oxfam, Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Campaign, Amnesty International, The British Red Cross, and others.
Lennox's services to charity have recently been acknowledged by Her Majesty the Queen. In the 2011 New Year Honours list Lennox received an OBE for her extraordinary humanitarian achievements. In addition, she recently received the Lifetime Achievement award at the 2011 Inspiration Awards for Women.
The House of Annie Lennox – Highlights of the Exhibition
The focal point of the installation is a house. It's actually a house within a house, as the whole exhibition takes place within a house-like enclosure. Visitors can step inside to see personal documents, handwritten music scores, and other items.
The display also features the 1999 Brit Award presented to the Eurythmics for their Outstanding Contribution to British Music. This was the first Brit Award to be awarded to Stewart and Lennox as a duo. To mark the occasion the pair performed at the Awards wearing matching Union Jack suits. Lennox's handwritten speech was found in the pocket of the jacket and is displayed in the exhibition. It should be said that this is just one of eight Brit Awards received by Annie Lennox.
The House of Annie Lennox is on display until 26th February 2011, and further information, including a podcast in which Annie Lennox talks about her creative processes, can be found on the V&A Museum website.
Source:
- V&A Museum
Frances Spiegel - Frances Spiegel, B.A. Hons. (Open)., Dip.Eur.Hum., read Art History/European Modern History at the Open University.
