The V&A reveals Taylor Swift superfans chosen to advise on Songbook Trail exhibition

Among the advisors are 1883 magazine editor and 'Taylor Swift historian' Kelsey Barnes, literature professor Iona Murphy, blogger Molly Gilroy, and India Meade - a dedicated Swiftie since the age of 14. The four were chosen by Kate Bailey, Senior Curator, Theatre and Performance after a lengthy interview process as the V&A seeks to, "gain a deeper understanding of the culture and craftsmanship that goes into the creation of handmade signs, friendship bracelets, and fan memorabilia" linked to Swift.

"The depth of knowledge and passion for her work displayed by the applicants was truly astounding," said Bailey, "and as a result, narrowing it down to just four candidates was an arduous process, with each applicant bringing unique perspectives and expertise. We were thrilled to find individuals who could provide so much enthusiasm and their own insights into Swift's artistry.”

Songbook Trail, which opens on 27 July at the V&A's South Kensington site, wil explore sixteen looks worn by Swift throughout her career and celebrate the creativity of her costumes, lyrics and music videos as well as exploring the global phenomenon of the pop icon. Each of the 13 stops on the trail will showcase a chapter in the songbook of Swift's career and spotlight a particular era of her music and songwriting.

Costume and accessories on loan from Swift's personal archive will be on display, from customised cowboy boots worn during her breakout success as a country singer in 2007, to the jet-black ruffled shoulder dress worn in the most recent music video for her single Fortnight (2024). The costumes will sit alongside instruments, music awards, storyboards and previously unseen archive which will explore her childhood and recording legacy.

"Being selected as one of the V&A's Taylor Swift Superfan Advisors is both a joy and an honour," said Kelsey Barnes. "As a journalist, so much of my work over the past few years has focused on Taylor Swift, her creative output, and the fandom that surrounds her and her art, so to be able to represent the fandom and assist the V&A with that insight and knowledge is a full circle moment for me. These roles in particular and working alongside the V&A has shown just how much they care about what's happening in the zeitgeist and how that reflects culture and the fandom around it."

The four Superfans will join similar fan experts in Pokémon Cards, Gorpcore Clothing, Toby Jugs and Lego, who were hired by the museum earlier this year.