Leigh Bowery’s short but extraordinary life left a distinct, undeniable mark on the art world and beyond.
An artist, performer, model, TV personality, club promoter, fashion designer and musician, Bowery took on many different roles, all the while refusing to be limited by convention.
From his emergence in the nightlife of 1980s London through to his later daring and outrageous performances in galleries, theatres, and the street, Bowery fearlessly forged his own vibrant path. He reimagined clothing and makeup as forms of painting and sculpture, tested the limits of decorum, and celebrated the body as a shape-shifting tool with the power to challenge norms of aesthetics, sexuality and gender.
Embracing performance, club culture and fashion design, Bowery created some of the most iconic images of the 1980s and 90s that continue to resonate, with his influence seen in the work of figures such as Alexander McQueen, Jeffrey Gibson, Anohni, and Lady Gaga.
This eclectic and immersive exhibition is a rare chance to experience many of Bowery’s ‘Looks’ alongside his collaborations with artists including Michael Clark, John Maybury, Baillie Walsh, Fergus Greer, Nick Knight and Lucian Freud.
It will provide a fresh insight into the creative scenes in London, New York and beyond featuring Sue Tilley, Trojan, Princess Julia, Les Child, Andrew Logan, Lady Bunny, Scarlett Cannon, MINTY and Boy George.
Moving from the club to the stage, to the gallery and beyond, step inside Bowery’s dynamic creative world that blurred the lines between art and life.
The exhibition is organised by Tate Modern in collaboration with Nicola Rainbird, Director and Owner of the Estate of Leigh Bowery
Lucian Freud Leigh Bowery 1991 Tate © The Lucian Freud Archive / Bridgeman Images 2023
Fergus Greer Session VII, Look 38, June 1994 1994, printed 2025 © Fergus Greer, courtesy Michael Hoppen Gallery, London.
John Maybury Leigh Bowery dancing (except from Read Only Memory) 1989
Nick Knight Leigh Bowery: Yellow 1987, printed 2025 © Nick Knight
Fergus Greer Leigh Bowery Session II, Look 10 July 1989 1989, printed 2025 © Fergus Greer, courtesy Michael Hoppen Gallery, London.
Find out more about the Leigh Bowery! exhibition with our exhibition guide.
Need a bigger font size of the exhibition guide? Download the large print guide [677 KB].
Exhibition and Lunch
Make a day of it. See Leigh Bowery! and enjoy a two-course lunch in the Level 6 Restaurant. With one of the best restaurant views in London and a modern British menu, it’s a simple way to plan ahead and get more from your visit.
Available daily at 11.00, 12.00 and 13.00
£57 for the exhibition plus two courses from the à la carte menu*
Restaurant, Natalie Bell Building, Level 6
Exhibition and Afternoons
Enjoy delicious miniature masterpieces with views of St Paul's from our skyline restaurant, after seeing the exhibition.
A twist on the classic afternoon tea; enjoy warm scones, open sandwiches and home baked cakes. Served with Jing Tea or Coffee by Tate.
Available daily at 14.00 and 15.00
£47 for the exhibition plus Afternoons*
Restaurant, Natalie Bell Building, Level 6
Exhibition and a Drink
Tuesday to Saturday at 16.30
£26 for the exhibition and a pint of our Leigh Bowery-inspired Flesh Fabric beer made in partnership with Queer Brewing
£29.50 for the exhibition and a cocktail or a glass of fizz
Corner, Natalie Bell Building, Level 1
*A discretionary 12.5% service charge will be added to your bill
Leigh Bowery, Peter Ashworth, Charles Atlas, Rachel Auburn, Mark Baker, Christine Bateman, Robyn Beeche, Brendan Beirne, Lee Benjamin, Bruce Bernard, Bronwyn Bowery-Ireland, Thomas Bowery, Sheila Burnett, Michael Clark, Julian Cole, Michael Costiff, Alan Cross, Tim Dimoline, Peter Doig, Matthew Donaldson, Cerith Wyn Evans, Lucian Freud, Fiona Freund, Alex Gerry, Boy George, Fergus Greer, David Gwinnutt, A M Hanson, Chris Harris, Peter Paul Hartnett, Richard Haughton, Jeffrey Hinton, Dick Jewell, Nils Jorgensen, MC Kinky (Feral is Kinky), Nick Knight, Steve Lafreniere, Jean Claude Lagrèze, Matthew R. Lewis, John Maybury, MINTY, John Moore, Pete Moss, Mike Owen, Nigel Parry, Mr Pearl, Alan (Lanah) Pillay, Tom Pilston, Steve Pyke, Josh Quinton, Nicola Rainbird, Gordon Rainsford, Derek Ridgers, Johnny Rozsa, Pierre Rutchi, Ellen Van Schuylenburch, Steve Speller, Dr Spiros, Nelson Sullivan, Dave Swindells, Sue Tilley, Richard Torry, Trojan, Donald Urquhart, Baillie Walsh, Fred Whisker, Patrick Whitaker & Keir Malem, Stephen Willats.
All Tate Modern entrances are step-free. You can enter via the Turbine Hall and into the Natalie Bell Building on Holland Street, or into the Blavatnik Building on Sumner street. There are lifts to every floor of the Blavatnik and Natalie Bell buildings. Alternatively you can take the stairs.
- Fully accessible toilets are located on every floor on the concourses.
- A quiet room is available to use in the Natalie Bell Building on Level 4.
- Ear defenders can be borrowed from the Ticket desks.
To help plan your visit to Tate Modern, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information about what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.
For more information before your visit:
- Email hello@tate.org.uk
- Call +44 (0)20 7887 8888 (daily 10.00–17.00)
