Designing 007 – Fifty years of Bond Style at the Barbican

The James Bond legacy might just as well be remembered for its design as its Martini-soaked tales of espionage.

Atlantis is Stromberg's base. A prototype for an underwater city. Copyright 1977 Danjag, LLC and United Artists Corporation
Atlantis is Stromberg’s base. A prototype for an underwater city. Copyright 1977 Danjag, LLC and United Artists Corporation

A new Bond design exhibition at the Barbican designed by Ab Rogers, promises a multisensory experience, bringing together characters, costumes, production design, vehicles, gadgets, special effects, graphic design, locations, weapons, stunts and props.

Sean Connory with Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger. 1964 Danjag, LLC and United Artists
Sean Connory with Aston Martin DB5 in Goldfinger. 1964 Danjag, LLC and United Artists

Some 400 objects will be displayed, taking in Barbican’s Silk Street Entrance, The Curve Gallery, The Pit Theatre, and public foyer spaces.

Dr No's underground apartment designed by Ken Adam. 1962 Danjang, LLC  United Artists Corporation
Dr No’s underground apartment designed by Ken Adam. 1962 Danjang, LLC United Artists Corporation

Graphic drawings and models include the design of the jetpack piloted by Bond in Thunderball, and the storyboard for the action sequence in You Only Live Twice featuring helicopter ‘Little Nellie’ and the ‘Wet Nellie’ Lotus Esprit.

The museum has collaborated with Eon Productions, which owns the Bond film rights, to make the spectacle possible.

Elektra King ski costume from The World is Not Enough. 1999 Danjan LLC and United Artists Corporation
Elektra King ski costume from The World is Not Enough. 1999 Danjan LLC and United Artists Corporation

Curated by The Barbican, guest curation has been provided by Bronwyn Cosgrave and Lindy Hemming, who has been commissioned to recreate many lost costumes. 

Ken Adam's concept for laser table. 1964 Danjaq LLC and United Artists Corporation
Ken Adam’s concept for laser table. 1964 Danjaq LLC and United Artists Corporation

This means that spy-enthusiasts can ogle over the orange bikini worn by Halle Berry in Die Another Day, Daniel Craig’s sky blue trunks from Casino Royale, and ‘a faithful recreation of the trunks Sean Connery wore in Thunderball,’ according to The Barbican.

Ken Adam's concept for volcano set, You Only Live Twice. 1967 Danjaq LLC and United Artists Corporation
Ken Adam’s concept for volcano set, You Only Live Twice. 1967 Danjaq LLC and United Artists Corporation

Other sartorial displays include Oddjob’s steel rimmed bowler hat and the prototype of Rosla Klebb’s Flick knife shoes.

Vehicles and gadgets include Bond’s 1964 Aston Martin DB5, Pierce Brosnan’s BMW motorcycle as seen in Tomorrow Never Dies, his modified Ericsson phone from the same film, and the attaché case featured in From Russia with Love.

Zorin and May Day at French chateau
Zorin and May Day at French chateau

Designing 007 – Fifty Years of Bond Style at the Barbican, runs from 6 July-5 September 2012 at The Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y

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Comments
  • Roland Hayward November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Smashing films loved everyone of them

  • Sanjay November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    my life my rules

  • Sanjay November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    my life my rules

  • Min Hein Thant November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    i like James Bond 007 very much!

  • S Myles November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Designing 007 – Fifty Years of Bond Style at the Barbican, runs from 6 July-5 September 2012 at The Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y

  • Jim November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    Ken Adam’s concept for laser table. 1964 Danjaq LLC and United Artists Corporation

    is actualy the Gold Vault! and not the laser table

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