Fabric sign set for display in new London Museum

A significant piece of London’s nightlife history is making its way to the new London Museum, set to open in 2026. The iconic sign from the renowned nightclub fabric, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2019, will be featured in the museum’s permanent installation, “Hanging Out.” This installation aims to honour the diverse places where London’s communities come together.

Fabric co-founder Cameron Leslie with the donated sign © London Museum 

This donation marks the latest development in a unique partnership between fabric and the London Museum. Announced in 2022, the collaboration saw fabric become the world’s first nightclub-in-residence at a museum. The club, housed in a Victorian building once part of the Smithfield markets, will share its cultural legacy with the museum’s visitors. This partnership is part of a broader initiative by the museum to build creative and community connections, reflecting London’s dynamic heritage through various forms of cultural expression.

Beatrice Behlen, Senior Curator at the London Museum, expressed enthusiasm about the inclusion of fabric in their displays, emphasising the club’s impact on Smithfield’s creative scene. She also highlighted the museum’s ongoing quest for additional signs that represent London’s cultural hubs, spanning from music venues to community centres.

Those interested in donating a sign can email ourtime@londonmuseum.org.uk with details about the sign. The museum is particularly interested in signs from the past 80 years, measuring at least 50x50cm, to include in their collection and further enrich their narrative of the city’s evolving cultural identity.