Costume thumbnail 1
Costume thumbnail 2
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On display

Costume

2020 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The suit was designed by British costume designer Sandy Powell, who wore it to the 2020 BAFTA and Oscar ceremonies. Designed as a 'blank canvas' for signatures, it has been signed by a variety of famous actors, musicians and directors, including Elton John, Daniel Kaluuya, Kylie Minogue and Tilda Swinton. The suit was subsequently auctioned at Phillips Auction House and the proceeds were given to the successful Art Fund campaign to save Derek Jarman's home, Prospect Cottage in Dungeness, from being privately sold, thereby protecting his legacy as one of the most influential figures in 20th century British culture.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Costume
  • Costume
Materials and techniques
Calico and marker pen
Brief description
Autographed suit, designed and worn by Sandy Powell and covered in the signatures of actors, musicians and directors
Physical description
White fitted jacket and trousers, covered all over with signatures in permanent marker pen.
Dimensions
  • Jacket at waist width: 38cm (hgush)
  • Jacket, underarm width: 43.18cm
  • Trousers length: 104.14cm (approx.)
  • Trousers width: 35.56cm (Note: )
measured flat
Gallery label
(2024)
In 2020 costume designer Sandy Powell wore this calico toile to awards ceremonies, including the Oscars, to help raise funds to preserve Prospect Cottage in Dungeness, the home of influential artist and activist Derek Jarman. Around 200 practitioners from the film and entertainment industry signed the suit, including Brad Pitt, Billie Eilish and Tilda Swinton. It then sold at auction.
Credit line
Donated to the V&A by Edwina Dunn on behalf of The Female Lead, an educational charity that drives change and equality for women
Summary
The suit was designed by British costume designer Sandy Powell, who wore it to the 2020 BAFTA and Oscar ceremonies. Designed as a 'blank canvas' for signatures, it has been signed by a variety of famous actors, musicians and directors, including Elton John, Daniel Kaluuya, Kylie Minogue and Tilda Swinton. The suit was subsequently auctioned at Phillips Auction House and the proceeds were given to the successful Art Fund campaign to save Derek Jarman's home, Prospect Cottage in Dungeness, from being privately sold, thereby protecting his legacy as one of the most influential figures in 20th century British culture.
Collection
Accession number
S.10:1, 2-2022

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Record createdNovember 12, 2021
Record URL
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