9. Guitar owned by Pete Townshend

The Theatre & Performance galleries are dedicated to the performing arts. Covering drama, dance, circus, rock and pop, they include a rare 1623 edition of Shakespeare’s complete works as well as video recordings of the latest productions on the London stage. The theatrical memorabilia provides a tangible link with Britain’s great performers. This broken guitar belonged to Pete Townshend. He was singer, guitarist and composer of The Who, one of the most influential rock bands of all time. Part of Townshend’s act was to smash his guitar on stage.
Guitar, made by Les Paul, 1960s. Museum no. S.12-1978