Jimi Hendrix, the legendary guitarist and singer-songwriter, is set to make a comeback in London, but not in the form of his music. Instead, a collection of previously unseen memorabilia, including food orders and phone bills, will be on display at 23 Brook Street, the very building where he once resided. This exhibition promises to offer a unique glimpse into the life of the rock icon, showcasing his personal habits and the people around him.
What makes this exhibition particularly fascinating is the focus on Hendrix's daily life and the people who played a crucial role in his success. The food orders from Mr Love, a restaurant just downstairs from his flat, provide a glimpse into his culinary preferences and the contrast between his bohemian lifestyle and the glitzy world of rock 'n' roll. The bill, totaling £32/16s/6d (approximately £485 today), highlights the expenses of a rock star in the 1960s.
The exhibition also delves into the corporate records of Anim Records, the company that managed the Jimi Hendrix Experience and other acts. These records, including contracts, calendars, and flight details, paint a picture of the business side of the music industry during that era. The involvement of Mike Jeffery, officially Hendrix's manager, and Patricia 'Trixie' Sullivan, his personal assistant, is particularly intriguing. Sullivan, now 83, played a pivotal role in booking sessions, organizing itineraries, and negotiating contracts, all while accompanying the musicians on tours worldwide.
The exhibition's focus on Sullivan's role is a testament to her importance in Hendrix's career. Her diaries, with notes from Hendrix's 1969 tour of Germany, offer a more personal perspective on his life and the challenges he faced. The story of how Sullivan collected the memorabilia, storing it in plastic trunks under her bed in Spain and later in her grandson's shed in Dorset, adds a layer of intrigue to the exhibition.
The flat that Hendrix shared with his girlfriend, Kathy Etchingham, has been meticulously recreated, providing a sense of the space where he felt truly at home. It was in this flat that he entertained and collaborated with other British rock icons of the 1960s. The exhibition also showcases letters, work permits, and dry cleaning tickets for psychedelic-inspired clothes, as well as phone bills totaling tens of thousands of pounds, offering a comprehensive view of his lifestyle.
Claire Davies, the exhibition curator, emphasizes the importance of these documents in understanding Hendrix's life beyond his music. She notes that his difficult childhood and transient lifestyle during his four-year career in London made 23 Brook Street a unique haven. The high-end Persian rugs he purchased for his flat, now worth around £30,000, further highlight the contrast between his rock star image and his personal life.
In conclusion, this exhibition offers a rare and intimate look at Jimi Hendrix's life, showcasing his personal habits, the people around him, and the business of music in the 1960s. It is a must-see for fans of the legendary guitarist and anyone interested in the history of rock 'n' roll.
