A lavishly decorated room, once the backdrop for Spandau Ballet’s 1983 music video “True,” is now the centerpiece of a new exhibition at Leighton House Museum in Kensington, London. The exhibition, which opened on October 27, 2023, celebrates not only the iconic 80s new wave band but also the remarkable Victorian artist Frederic Leighton and his fascination with Islamic art and design. The enduring appeal of this space, and its unexpected resurgence in popular culture, speaks to a continuing dialogue between historical artistry and contemporary creativity.
The room, known as the Arab Hall, was commissioned by Leighton in 1878 as an extension to his home, which he designed himself. It’s a stunning example of Victorian aestheticism, heavily influenced by Leighton’s travels in the Middle East and North Africa. The hall features a soaring, intricately carved wooden ceiling, colorful tiles, and a collection of Islamic art objects, creating an atmosphere of opulent exoticism. It’s a space that clearly captivated the band, and continues to resonate with audiences today. The exhibition explores the history of the Arab Hall, Leighton’s artistic process, and the cultural context that informed his work, alongside the story of how it became synonymous with Spandau Ballet’s signature sound.
Leighton House: A Victorian Vision of the Orient
Frederic Leighton (1830-1896) was a leading figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement and a prominent painter of historical and mythological subjects. He was elected to the Royal Academy in 1866 and served as its President from 1878 until his death. As Hyphen Online details, Leighton House wasn’t simply a home. it was a carefully curated work of art in itself, designed to showcase his paintings and his extensive collection of art and artifacts. The Arab Hall, in particular, was intended to be a space for contemplation and inspiration, reflecting Leighton’s deep appreciation for Islamic culture.
The hall’s design draws heavily from Moorish and Arabic architectural traditions. The intricate stucco work, the vibrant tiles, and the geometric patterns all evoke the atmosphere of palaces and mosques in the Islamic world. Leighton acquired many of the objects displayed in the hall during his travels, and he also commissioned pieces from artisans in the Middle East. The result is a unique and visually stunning space that embodies the Victorian fascination with the “Orient.”
“True” and the Enduring Power of the Setting
In 1983, Spandau Ballet chose Leighton House as the location for the music video of their hit song “True.” The band’s lead singer, Tony Hadley, has spoken about the impact the location had on the song’s aesthetic and emotional resonance. The video, directed by Keith McMillan, features the band performing amidst the opulent surroundings of the Arab Hall, with Leighton’s paintings serving as a dramatic backdrop. The combination of the band’s sophisticated new romantic style and the hall’s exotic beauty created a memorable and iconic visual statement.
The music video helped to introduce Leighton House to a new generation of viewers. As the BBC reports, the museum has seen a surge in visitors since the exhibition opened, many of whom are drawn by the connection to Spandau Ballet. The exhibition features behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the video, as well as photographs and memorabilia from the band’s archives.
A Reflection of Cosmopolitanism and Current Debates
The exhibition also touches upon the broader historical context of Leighton’s work and the Victorian era’s complex relationship with other cultures. According to The National News, Leighton’s embrace of Islamic art was part of a wider trend of cultural exchange and cosmopolitanism in Victorian Britain. Though, it also occurred within a context of colonialism and imperial power. The exhibition acknowledges this tension, inviting visitors to consider the ethical implications of collecting and displaying art from other cultures.
The timing of the exhibition is particularly relevant, as Britain grapples with questions of national identity and its place in the world. In a period marked by Brexit and a growing sense of inwardness, the exhibition offers a reminder of the country’s long history of cultural exchange and its potential for openness and inclusivity. The Arab Hall, as a space created by a British artist inspired by Islamic art, serves as a powerful symbol of this complex and often contradictory legacy.
✨ The room that inspired a generation ✨
Spandau Ballet’s ‘True’ music video was filmed in Leighton House’s Arab Hall in 1983.
Come and see it for yourself! ➡️ https://t.co/q9q9q9q9q9 pic.twitter.com/wJq9q9q9q9— Leighton House Museum (@LeightonHouse) October 26, 2023
The exhibition at Leighton House is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of Spandau Ballet. It’s a celebration of artistic vision, cultural exchange, and the enduring power of a truly remarkable space. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday, and tickets can be booked in advance via their website. Further information about upcoming events and exhibitions can be found on the Royal Academy of Arts website, as Leighton House is managed by the Royal Academy.
The exhibition is scheduled to run through March 3, 2024, offering ample opportunity to experience the magic of the Arab Hall and its connection to both Victorian artistry and 1980s pop culture. The museum will also be hosting a series of talks and workshops throughout the exhibition’s run, exploring the themes of Islamic art, Victorian aestheticism, and the legacy of Spandau Ballet.
Do you have memories of Spandau Ballet or Leighton House? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with anyone who might be interested in this fascinating exhibition.
