Fred Perry to celebrate 70 years of its polo shirt at Design Museum exhibition
Fred Perry is to celebrate 70 years of its iconic polo shirt with a free exhibition at the Huth Gallery in London’s Design Museum from 10–19 June 2022.
‘Fred Perry: A British Icon’ will explore the sportswear company’s beginnings in 1950s Britain, and through rare archival material and early prototypes visitors will get to know more about its founder, three-times Wimbledon tennis champion Fred Perry.
Considered British sportswear royalty, it’s fitting that Fred Perry’s 70th anniversary should fall in the same month as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The exhibition will “deep dive” into Fred Perry’s quintessential garment, the polo shirt, including the evolution of the brand’s famous laurel wreath logo, typography and rare pieces from collaborations with designers and musicians.
From the company’s tennis beginnings in 1952 to its contemporary designs, the exhibition will show how the cultural significance of the Fred Perry polo shirt has evolved.
It will also shine a light on the integral role the Fred Perry polo shirt has played in the uniform of subcultures such as Mods and skinheads, through an installation of original objects and specially commissioned films.
Visitors will be able to explore how designer and musical collaborations have helped shape the brand’s identity, including with Comme des Garçons, Charles Jeffrey, Raf Simons, Nicholas Daley, Amy Winehouse, Gorillaz and The Specials.
‘Fred Perry: A British Icon’ will run from 10–19 June 2022 at the Design Museum’s Huth Gallery, 224–238 Kensington High Street, London.
