Inside PJ Harvey's Archive at the V&A: Music, Memorabilia, and Creative Process

The V&A East Storehouse now houses the PJ Harvey Archive, offering an intimate look at over three decades of the British musician's creative life. Catalogued by a PhD student, the collection includes press cuttings, fan art, correspondence, and research materials. Highlights include a letter from Jeff Buckley (circa 1996–1997) discussing his album plans and ginger tea obsession, cue cards from theatre director Ian Rickson for the 'Let England Shake' tour, and a cartoon from NME Magazine (29 May 1993) critiquing Harvey's artistic choices. Harvey, born in Dorset in 1969, is the only artist to win the Mercury Prize twice (for 'Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea' in 2000 and 'Let England Shake' in 2011). The archive reveals her extensive research for 'Let England Shake', including books on war and a portrait of nurse Edith Cavell. The V&A has long championed music in museums, exemplified by the David Bowie Centre. The archive is accessible by appointment on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, 10:00–17:00.