Protect What You Cherish: The Spice Girls Hall of Fame

When the Spice Girls high-kicked their way to superstardom in the 1990s, Liz West was instantly hooked, singing along at concerts and asking for memorabilia for Christmas. What began as a teenage obsession has evolved into a collection numbering over 5,000 individual pieces and recognised with a Guinness World Record, which she’s exhibited up and down the country. Now an artist, Liz’s focus has shifted to unique and one-off pieces including the pop stars’ tour costumes and has even received donations from two of the band’s members. She took us behind the scenes to share her cherished collection.

What inspired you to start a collection?

My father was a record collector. I grew up in a house with bookshelves full of books, records, CDs, and objects en masse. It was in my psyche and instinct to be a collector, I think. I never questioned it. And when I fell in love with the Spice Girls in the late nineties, I was at a really impressionable age. For me, building a collection brought me closer to my idols.

Why the Spice Girls?

My mum often says, ‘it's a really good job that you didn't make an S Club 7 or a B*Witched collection’, because at least I chose something that has become culturally and historically significant. They weren't just a flash in the pan. They weren't a one hit wonder as many people thought they were when Wannabe came out. They actually had longevity and the five members have gone on to do things that make them still relevant. 

As an 11 or 12 year old, my understanding of feminism was Girl Power. And even though I understood at the time that it was a marketing slogan, I bought into it emotionally - and with my pocket money! I didn't mind being sold a dream. I was set an example by five women that if I worked hard enough and dreamt big enough, I could achieve anything. I think that mentality is what's probably driven me on to be an artist, and do what I want in life.

Do you think your collection has influenced your work as an artist?

As a child, I was captivated by the colorful kitsch, bright sequins, sparkle of the merchandise and the memorabilia. It really appealed to my sensibilities and aesthetics. Even then, I was obsessed with color and bright lights, and now, as an artist, I've realized that my aesthetic is completely the colors of the nineties, the kitsch, the brightness, the vividness, wanting to put people in the role of performer when they experience my installations almost as if they were a pop star or a Spice Girl. So that it is completely circular.

What are your most cherished items?

Definitely the costumes and the footwear that were worn by the Spice Girls in videos, in photo shoots, and on stage. One of the most cherished items is a green tassel dress that Geri Halliwell wore, that I saw at the first Spice Girls concert I ever went to in Manchester in 1998. To see it in the flesh, and then to own it is really special for me.

Why do you think there’s such nostalgia for ‘90s pop culture?

When I talk to people now about the nineties Britpop scene, everything that was going on culturally, politically at that time, it was super optimistic. And I suppose my collection embodies that period. Even just looking at the newspaper cuttings and the magazines, it's all very relevant still. And it's a time capsule.

What’s next for your collection?

When I was at art school, I did a placement at a museum and couldn't help but tell the curator about my collection, which had begun to become about the costume and the one-off pieces more than the mass produced items. She suggested that I write to museums and galleries after graduating and try to curate my collection for institutions, which I did, with exhibitions at the likes of Leeds City Museum.

When I first started collecting, I didn't start out planning to end it. I'm always on the pursuit of one-offs, and I'd love to see my collection in the V&A or a really important institution.

Who's your favorite Spice Girl?

I don't have one. Having a favorite Spice Girl would be like choosing your favorite child. I mean, you do secretly have one but you're not going to admit it out loud.