Prince's 'miniature Paisley Park' exhibit opens in London

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Dubbed "miniature Paisley Park," a London exhibition kicked off on Friday to showcase the life of pop legend Prince, unveiling previously unseen treasures from his legendary Paisley Park studio complex.

"My Name Is Prince" will see hundreds of items go on display at The O2 entertainment complex, the first official retrospective since the US artist's death aged 57 in April last year.

Memorabilia on display includes a diamond-studded cane and a diamond vest, in addition to awards, instruments and handwritten song lyrics.

The "Orange Cloud Guitar" once played by artist Prince, at "My Name is Prince" exhibition at the O2 Arena in London, October 26, 2017. /AP Photo

The exhibition features the guitar used in his 1980 US national television debut, and charts Prince's rise to stardom with clothing worn on his "Purple Rain" and "LoveSexy" tours in the same decade.

"This is the first time we've taken any items out of Paisley Park," said Tyka Nelson, Prince's only surviving full sibling.

The 55,000-square-foot (5,000-square-metre) Paisley Park complex was opened by Prince in 1987 in a suburb of his hometown Minneapolis and it was there that he died nearly three decades later.

With state-of-the-art recording studios and vaults full of unreleased music, Paisley Park has now been opened to fans who were rarely allowed inside during Prince's lifetime.

A glass case holds items owned by Prince at "My Name Is Prince" exhibition, World Premiere at the O2 Arena in London, October 26, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Purple trench coat

With an audio guide, visitors can wander through the instruments, costumes and artifacts from Prince's lengthy career.

Right from his debut album "For You", which came out in 1978 when he was 19, there was no hiding Prince's musical talents: He played all 27 instruments heard on the record's nine songs.

A costume of the "Purple Rain" era used by artist Prince at "My Name is Prince" exhibition, October 26, 2017./AP Photo

A large area is given over to the album "Purple Rain", and the film of the same name, notably featuring the purple trench coat Prince wore throughout the movie.

There are screens showing concert footage, several notebooks and manuscripts containing themes of love and sexuality.

A large, circular room showcases Prince's wardrobe, with stage costumes and accessories including sunglasses and make-up.

Nelson said London was one of her brother's favorite destinations and holding the exhibition at the O2 Arena – where Prince performed 21 sell-out shows in 2007 – made it the "perfect place."

"I'm so excited to be able to meet the fans and share their Prince stories and give them hugs, and have a cry with them if need be," she said.

"My Name Is Prince" runs until January 7, 2018.

Source(s): AFP