Picture courtesy Motown Records Archive
Exhibition: The Story of the Supremes From the Mary Wilson Collection, The Fashion Museum, Bath, July 25 – August 31 2009.
Original Supremes member Mary Wilson will officially open The Story of The Supremes from the Mary Wilson Collection exhibition at the Fashion Museum in Bath.
Picture courtesy Motown Records Archive
The V&A exhibition, in collaboration with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, coincides with the 50th anniversary of Motown Records and will display more than 50 original stage costumes once worn by one of the most successful girl groups of all time.
The exhibition is set against the backdrop of the meteoric rise of Motown Records and of the civil rights movement, and uses original photographs, film footage, magazines and memorabilia to explore the inspirational role the group played in changing racial perceptions.
Picture courtesy Motown Records Archive
On July 26 Wilson will be in conversation with writer and broadcaster Paul Gambaccini, discussing her extraordinary career and the heyday of Motown.
She sang with the Supremes between 1959 and 1977 and since the band disbanded she established herself as a solo performer, author and advocate of humanitarian causes.
Picture courtesy Motown Records Archive
The Supremes first performed on British soil in 1965 and Mary admits to have "always adored England." She will be joining a whole host of Motown stars for a Once in a Lifetime – Legends Live Tour later in the year.
You can fully immerse yourself in Motown mania with everything from guitar workshops at Bath University to Big Hair Day at the Fashion Museum, where stylists will be on hand to help you achieve the towering tresses sported by the Supremes in the 1960s.
Picture courtesy Motown Records Archive
For more details and the programme of additional events visit the Fashion Museum website.
Tickets for In Conversation With Mary Wilson, which include entry to the exhibition, are available from the Bath Festivals website or by calling 01225 463362.
