The Story of the Supremes
From the Mary Wilson Collection at Victoria & Albert Museum, London
It has long been Mary Wilson's dream that her collection of stunning costumes would be exhibited for all to see. The garments will be shown at the V&A and around the UK.
The Story of The Supremes was conceived by Mary Wilson in collaboration with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Mary Wilson said: “I have kept these dresses in storage for over 30 years, it was my dream that that one day I could share them with the world. I am delighted that they are going on display at the V&A and on tour around the UK.”
Set against a background of the American civil rights movement and the rapid rise of Motown Records this exhibition will explore how The Supremes played a critical role in changing racial perceptions and how they continue to influence the performers of today.
No Early Success
At first the band, consisting of Barbara Martin, Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross, was known as the Primettes. Early recordings such as I Want a Guy and Buttered Popcorn were unsuccessful. Their next three singles just about made it into the lower end of the Hot 100. The group almost disbanded in1962 with Diana Ross going to work in a café and Barbara Martin leaving to get married. However, their perseverance paid off and The Supremes are now regarded as the most commercially successful female group of the 1960s. Between 1964 and 1969 they recorded 12 US number1 hits. They met Her Majesty the Queen Mother in 1968 and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show at least 15 times.
Dressed to Impress
Wherever The Supremes appeared their costumes always left a lasting impression. More than 50 outfits will show how the band's image was uniquely styled by the American record producer Berry Gordy, and his colleagues at Motown Records, to appeal to the widest possible audience.
Garments from the early outfits to the most glamorous beaded costumes are on display. Visitors can see the black rhinestone-encrusted velvet gown and the 'Peach Feather' dresses, both designed by Bob Mackie who was nicknamed the Sultan of Sequins and the Rajah of Rhinestones.
Role Models of the 1960s
The position of The Supremes both as role models in the sixties and as stars of Motown Records will be explored through original photographs, television footage, video presentations and magazine spreads. The group enjoyed unprecedented popularity and appeared frequently on television and radio shows around the world. Their attitudes helped to destroy racial barriers during the time of the American Civil Rights movement.
50th Anniversary of Motown Records
The exhibition also explores the history of Motown Records (also known as Tamla-Motown) established primarily to feature African-American artists. Motown, who will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2009, has become the largest independent black-owned record label in America. A reconstruction of the mixing desk used in Recording Studio A at Motown headquarters - "Hitsville USA" is on display.
The Supreme's Continuing Influence
Costumes worn by the all girl band Destiny's Child will show how The Supremes continue to influence the music of the 21st century. In a video interview the television and radio presenter Trevor Nelson will discuss the girl bands of today.
The Story of The Supremes will run from 13th May to 19th October 2008 and further information can be obtained from the Victoria & Albert Museum. The show will open at the Grundy Gallery, Blackpool, from November 2008 to January 2009. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery will host it from March to June 2009 and Bristol's British Empire and Commonwealth Museum will show the exhibition from July to August 2009.
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