Jazz Roots to Rolling Stones Fruits and Rag ‘N’ Bone Man
The British Blues Exhibition
Mon, Wed: 9.30am–5.30pm
Tue, Thu: 9.30am–7.30pm
Fri: 9.30am–2pm
Sat: 9.30am–4pm
Sun: Closed
Bank Holidays: Closed
The British Blues Exhibition charts the rise of the music that became the ‘British Blues Explosion’, detonating on both sides of the Atlantic in the 1960s and changing popular music forever.
With exhibits ranging over a 100-year span right up to the modern day, featuring the ‘Boat that rocked’ Radio Caroline, The Rolling Stones, The Animals, Cream, and Jools Holland, with musical instruments, books, sheet music, posters, and much more.
An original Howlin’ Wolf 78rpm release – donated by the Blues Foundation in the US – is one of the proudest exhibits as the exhibition showcases vinyl and other musical release formats that helped carry the African-American music worldwide.
This exhibition is primarily about a remarkable musical history, but it also reflects the cultural impact of Blues music and has exhibits from artists Stella Tooth and Pete Marsh.
In honour of the late Chris Barber.
Exhibition supporters: John Mayall, Chris Barber, Connie Lush, Mud Morganfield (eldest son of Muddy Waters), Huey Morgan, and Pete Brown (Cream lyricist).
The exhibition has previously appeared at locations including The Musical Museum, The House of Lords, The Eel Pie Club, and the Great British RnB Festival in Colne.
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Barbican Music Library
Location
The Barbican Libraries are located on Level 2 within the Barbican. They can be accessed from the main building via stairs or lifts from Level G or via Frobisher Crescent from the highwalks.
Address
Level 2, Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
