Unseen Treasures: Jimi Hendrix's Archive Revealed at 23 Brook Street Exhibition
Jimi Hendrix, the iconic rock musician, lived in a London flat in the 1960s where he rarely used the kitchen, preferring meals from the trendy restaurant Mr Love downstairs. The restaurant receipts from his meals are part of a vast archive of unseen material about Hendrix's life and music, now on display at 23 Brook Street, his former residence turned museum. The collection includes corporate records, contracts, calendars, and invoices that shed light on his pioneering music career and the management of the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Hendrix, known for his innovative guitar work and hits like Purple Haze and Foxy Lady, passed away at the young age of 27. The exhibition showcases documents from Anim Records, the company managing Hendrix's career, and highlights the role of Patricia 'Trixie' Sullivan, his personal assistant, in organizing his tours and studio sessions. Sullivan preserved the material after the death of Mike Jeffery, the company's founder, and it is now being exhibited for the first time.
The Handel Hendrix House, a museum in London where Hendrix once lived, will host the exhibition featuring Hendrix's recreated flat and personal items. The exhibition, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, offers a glimpse into Hendrix's domestic life, including his preference for high-end Persian rugs and his interactions with friends and collaborators in the music industry. The exhibition curator, Claire Davies, emphasizes the significance of the receipts and documents in revealing a lesser-known aspect of Hendrix's life beyond his rock star persona.
Sullivan's diaries from Hendrix's tours and notes on his daily life provide valuable insights into his personality and struggles. Described as introverted and self-doubting, Hendrix found solace in playing his guitar at home. Sullivan, who played a crucial role in managing Hendrix's affairs, collected the receipts and documents to bring order to his life. The exhibition, opening on 19 June at 23 Brook Street, aims to showcase this intimate side of Hendrix's life and career, offering a unique perspective on the legendary musician.