Bowieland: Walking in the footsteps of David 

This week’s Third Year Seminar featured former Head of English, Peter Carpenter (CR 92–21), who spoke about the inspiration behind his book Bowieland: Walking in the Footsteps of David.

Following the death of David Bowie in 2016, Peter felt compelled to commemorate his hero. He set out to explore Bowie’s past – retracing the streets, towns, and places where David Jones transformed into David Bowie.

Reflecting on the talk, Angus (PS3) said, “I found Peter Carpenter’s talk really engaging. It was interesting learning about all aspects of David Bowie’s life – not only as a singer, but also as a writer, poet, artist, and accomplished actor.”

Peter’s story was particularly moving, as it intertwined with his own experience of undergoing open-heart surgery around the time of Bowie’s death, and the life-changing advice he received: ‘Walk, if you want to stay on this planet.’

As part of his recovery, Peter walked, reconnecting with Bowie through visits to well-known shrines before venturing out across South London’s edgelands and suburbia to more remote Bowie haunts: Croydon, Aylesbury, Pett Level, and Southend-on-Sea. He found the windows Bowie had once gazed from in Clareville Grove, and the streets in Beckenham where he had hurried by.

Angus added, “Not only did I discover what sounds like a great book to add to my reading list, but I also thoroughly enjoyed learning about Peter’s story and David Bowie’s life.”