I had the pleasure of attending the brand new Arches Venue at London Bridge, along with their first event/exhibition ‘Elvis: Direct From Graceland’. This exhibition showcases the very best of the legacy that is The King of Rock and Roll, with everything that Graceland (the home of Elvis) has to offer. Bring the very best of Graceland to London. When I first heard about this exhibition, I went to book my tickets straight away. Then when I was invited to the launch party and to write this review, I thought, I’m going to be able to talk about something I love. I’ve been a massive Elvis fan for over 30 years.
The venue was originally planned to be opened as a club, but I found on the night, that they had then decided that it would be better to make it an event and exhibition space, I completely agree and the venue is incredible. It’s located just a few minutes walk from London Bridge Underground. It’s a really stylish and modern place. When you enter, you’ll find the reception on the right, there is also a little cafe/bar, along with a small seating area too. I also got the chance to be shown around the venue as well, I think this will be the start of great things to come.
So the first Exhibition is, of course, Elvis: Elvis Aaron Presley, more commonly referred to as Elvis, was an American singer and actor. Known as the "King of Rock and Roll", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.
At the beginning of the exhibition you get a little audio device that acts as your tour guide and this gives you detailed information, tells you wonderful stories and takes you through each part of the exhibition.
Everything you see is all 100% authentic and direct from Graceland. Detailing the very best of the life and legacy of the king of rock and roll. Starting with his early life where he was born and how he became the man we came to love and remember.
You have the opportunity to see things from his personal life, including his clothes, showcasing Elvis the fashion icon, a couple of his cars and many amazing features of his home. We also walked through the years of his outstanding career, from his early years in the 50s, through the movies in the 60s and the Las Vegas years through the 70s. The exhibition also pays tribute to his family including his parents and the people he had around him through the years. It was so moving to look back at his beautiful daughter, the late Lisa Marie Presley, to look back on her life and hear stories from her childhood and what Elvis was like as a father.
Seeing what is on display throughout the event is truly amazing for any Elvis fan and even if you’re seeing this for the first time, it is fantastic to find out so much. For me, this brought back amazing memories of my own childhood when I first discovered Elvis and I have personally been a fan for over 30 years of my life. It has been a dream (and on my list of places to visit) to go to Memphis and of course to Graceland itself. When I first heard this was opening in London, I was really excited to go and I can highly recommend this.
Elvis: Direct From Graceland. Is showing at Arches London Bridge, until February 2024. Tickets available - https://elvislondonbridge.co.uk
Review by Daniel Eric Matthews - Creative Media Productions.
