“For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond” is an exhibit that opened last month at the Imperial War Museum London. Running through 1 March 2009, the exhibit “celebrates the centenary of Ian Fleming’s birth,” and is “the first major exhibition devoted to the life and work of the man who created the world’s most famous secret agent, James Bond.”
For Your Eyes Only looks at the author and his fictional character in their historical contexts, examining how much of the Bond novels were imaginary and how far they were based on real people and events. It explores the early life of Ian Fleming (1908-64), his wartime career and work as a journalist and travel writer, and how, as an author, he drew upon his own experiences to create the iconic character of James Bond. The exhibit features artifacts from Fleming’s life and careers (manuscripts, memorabilia of his war-time service), from the James Bond films (Daniel Craig’s bloody shirt from Casino Royale, Halle Berry’s bikini from Die Another Day, and Rosa Klebb’s knife-bearing shoes from From Russia with Love), and from real life that intersects with the world of James Bond (including early code-making and -breaking machines). In addition, there will be special talks and readings throughout the exhibit’s run (Charlie Higson will talk about writing the current Young Bond books on 24 May at 11AM), as well as screenings of some of the films.
Admission to the exhibit is £8, and tickets are available online. The Imperial War Museum London is located on Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom. For more information, see the museum’s web site, or call +44(0)207 416 5320.