Guitar legend Jimi Hendrix's life in London on display
- Published
A prized guitar, a cowboy hat and handwritten notes by Jimi Hendrix are among the relics of his life in London which are going on display.
The Hendrix in Britain exhibition at the Handel House Museum in Mayfair will mark the 40th anniversary of the guitar legend's death on 18 September 1970.
Hendrix lived next door to the Brook Street venue, where the composer George Handel lived for 36 years.
The flat Hendrix rented in 1968 will also be open to the public for 11 days.
The exhibition will open on Wednesday 25 August and run until 7 November, with free access to Hendrix's former flat at 23 Brook Street on the weekend of the anniversary of his death.
The flat, which serves as offices for the museum, will be vacated for the duration of the exhibition.
The musician, who first came to London in 1966, was 27 years old when he died, three weeks after performing at the Isle of Wight Festival.
'Fascinating snapshot'
The inquest found Hendrix had choked on his own vomit after taking drugs.
His Gibson Flying V guitar which he performed with at the festival, his written travel directions to the show and a "Westerner" hat which he often wore on stage will be part of the exhibition.
The legendary guitarist, composer and singer wore the "Westerner" hat at several shows
The guitar is usually kept in the vault at London's Hard Rock Cafe.
Hendrix's British work permit, his handwritten lyrics to Love Or Confusion and a self-portrait sketch - scribbled on notepaper from the Hyde Park Towers hotel - will be among the artefacts on display.
Sarah Bardwell, director of the Handel House Museum, said: "Bringing Hendrix to life in the building where he felt most at home has been a revelation for all of us at Handel House.
"We have thoroughly enjoyed working with people who actually knew him and who have been able to give us first-hand accounts.
"The exhibits that we have selected provide a fascinating snapshot of his important time in Britain."