In the heart of Birmingham’s vibrant Gay Village, a new exhibition at the Back to Backs celebrates the extraordinary life and career of a local LGBTQ+ icon, Twiggy. Known for her bold fashion statements and dynamic presence, Twiggy has been a beacon in the queer community for over four decades. The exhibition, “Twiggy – The Drag Market”, offers a unique window into the evolution of one of Birmingham’s most beloved personas.
The Journey of a Style Maverick
The exhibition takes visitors on a captivating journey, tracing Twiggy’s steps from the early 1980s. It all began in the bustling lanes of Hurst Street, where Twiggy worked as a shop assistant at Kahn and Bell, a well-known punk shop owned by Jane Kahn and Patti Bell. This period marked the genesis of Twiggy’s drag career, a time when creativity blossomed in the face of financial constraints. The exhibition beautifully showcases the drag queen’s evolution, highlighting the significance of the era: “Nobody had any money, everybody wanted to go out, you found a way to go out. Everybody was creative, they would just make and mend and do as much as possible,” Twiggy reminisces.
A Canvas of Creativity and Inspiration
What stands out in this exhibition are the costumes and photographs that span Twiggy’s 40-year career. Each piece tells a story of resilience, creativity, and a deep love for performance and fashion. Twiggy’s affinity for sewing and an admiration for 1940s Hollywood icons like Joan Crawford and Bette Davis heavily influenced her style. Her fearless fashion choices, often a blend of punk and glamour, reflect her unique artistic vision.
The exhibition, more than just a display of costumes, is a celebration of the diverse communities that have thrived in Birmingham’s Southside. Ashton Cartmell, the operations manager at the National Trust Birmingham Back to Backs, elaborates on the area’s rich history of tailoring and fashion, noting how Twiggy’s story intertwines with this vibrant cultural tapestry.
A Legacy That Inspires
Twiggy’s exhibition is not just a retrospective of a drag queen’s career; it’s a tribute to the spirit of an era and a community that dared to dream and express themselves boldly. Her journey, starting from the humble beginnings at Kahn and Bell to becoming a celebrated figure in Birmingham’s queer scene, is an inspiring tale of creativity and self-expression. The exhibition, free to the public, is an invitation to explore the world of a trailblazer who transformed adversity into artistry.