Tim Burton Opens a ‘Weird, Beautiful Funhouse’ at London’s Design Museum
LONDON — Just in time for Halloween, the Design Museum in London has opened an exhibition called “The World of Tim Burton.” This display highlights the rise of the renowned Gothic filmmaker and features items from his personal collection.
The Design Museum is the last venue for this exhibition, which has been traveling around the globe for ten years. It will be open from Friday until April 21.
"It feels like wandering through an odd yet stunning funhouse, which I really enjoy," Burton mentioned before the exhibition opened. He did admit, though, that it can be a bit embarrassing to have his teenage art showcased for everyone to see.
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"It's akin to having your dirty laundry displayed on the walls," the director remarked. "I can't stare at it for too long because it tends to be a bit much for me."
The exhibition begins with Burton's first creations — sketches of thin boys transforming into vibrant, colorful monsters. This was a distinct act of defiance against the mundane life he experienced while growing up in the dull suburbs of Burbank, California.
"While I often reflect on the darker side of suburban life, there were also wonderful aspects that could inspire creativity and provoke thought," Burton remarked.
When asked if his views on identical cul-de-sacs had evolved, he responded, “For some reason, living in Burbank sparked my interest in monster movies. I believe these environments influence our identity. I still have a mix of warm, unsettling memories about the whole experience,” he added.
Maria McLintock, the curator of the exhibition, explains that the London version of the show is unique in how it delves into the techniques used in Burton's fascinatingly dark body of work.
"There’s an emphasis on the method," McLintock explained. "Tim has a careful, engaged, and handcrafted approach that was key to this exhibition."
As guests stroll through the exhibit, they can admire Burton's napkin doodles, sculptures, and watercolor paintings that inspired some of his most iconic works, such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Mars Attacks!” and “Beetlejuice.”
You'll find a wealth of film memorabilia as well, featuring detailed costumes created by Burton’s longtime partner in design, Colleen Atwood.
The exhibition is vast and provides a comprehensive view of Burton's impact across various genres. His artwork played a significant role in inspiring Alexander McQueen's iconic fall 2002 collection titled "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious."
After a decade of touring globally, over 32,000 individuals have bought tickets for the London event. This has resulted in the highest pre-sale ticket numbers ever recorded at the Design Museum.
The event is being showcased in collaboration with Harvey Nichols. The British store will reveal Christmas window displays inspired by Burton’s style on November 1, showcasing five sculptures from his personal collection.
