Learning Event Exhibition Access Tour
BSL Tour of Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s
Join us for a group tour of highlights of the exhibition Blitz: The club that shaped the 80s for deaf visitors who use British Sign Language and their companions, facilitated by Edward Richards.
What to expect
Join a British Sign Language tour of our exhibition Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s .
Explore the design stories behind the legendary club night that transformed 1980s London style. The infamous Blitz Club generated a creative scene that had an enormous impact on popular culture in the decade that followed — from fashion and music, to film, art and design.
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.
This group tour will explore selected highlights from the 250 works in the exhibition, revisiting the trailblazing club's history and atmosphere with a sensory extravaganza of music, flamboyant fashions, pioneering art, film and graphic design.
This tour is suitable for D/deaf visitors who use British Sign Language and their companions.
utside the Blitz club in 1979. Photo by Sheila Rock
Facilitator
Edward Richards
Richards studied Graphic Design at Camberwell College of Arts and since 2002 has enjoyed delivering British Sign Language tours in museums and galleries to the Deaf community. In addition, he has given socio-documentary photography talks on artists including Robert Frank and Elton John’s ‘The Radical Eye’ exhibition at Tate Modern.
Book online
Booking information
Adult: £5
Student: £5
Concession: £5
Members*: £5
*Please note that this benefit only applies to the cardholding Member’s ticket and not those of additional guests.
Pre-booking is required as places are limited
Individuals can purchase a maximum of 4 tickets. If you require a hearing companion, please add a Carer ticket to your order (free)
Suitable Age: 18 +. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible, ticket-holding adult
Assistant dogs are welcome but must be on a lead
Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Visit our Terms & Conditions page for further information.
The exhibition
Background image: Lesley Chilkes wearing ensemble by David Holah at the Blitz, about 1979. © Derek Ridgers c/o Unravel Productions