A major exhibition at the Design Museum documents the legendary Blitz club night that transformed 1980s London style, generating an influential creative scene from fashion and music, to film, art and design.
Here’s twenty images from our visit yesterday:
The museum website gives a short history of the club:
Behind a door in a Covent Garden side street, the Blitz club was the place where 1980s style began. Inspired by everything from David Bowie, the punk and soul scenes, to continental cinema and cabaret culture, the brightest young talents of their generation came together to revolutionise fashion, music and design, turning a niche club night into a launchpad for global superstardom.
The scene launched the careers of many stars, including chart-topping performers Spandau Ballet, Visage, Boy George and Marilyn as well as a long list of designers, artists, filmmakers and writers — from couture milliner Stephen Jones and Game of Thrones costume designer Michele Clapton, to DJ and fashion writer Princess Julia and BBC broadcaster Robert Elms.
Pre-internet, the only way to pick up on party news was to use the phone, and for some this meant hanging about public call boxes for hours on end.
This exhibit offered-pre recorded stories from back in the day.
You could step into a virtual Blitz club.
The magnificent Simmons SDS-V electronic drum kit.
While you’re at the Design Museum, you can also check out the displays on the upper floors:
More info
Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s
Runs until 29th March 2026
Adult tickets from £14.38
Concession/Student £10.77
Children aged 6 to 15 from £7.19
Under 6s go free
See also: The Face Magazine: Culture Shift – London exhibition charts the work of the iconic style publication
More info
The Design Museum
224 – 238 Kensington
High Street
London
W8 6AG
Opening times
10:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Thursday)
10:00 – 18:00 (Friday to Sunday)