‘A living, breathing work of art’: Leigh Bowery by those who knew him best

‘It’s almost as if he had too much personality for his body’: Leigh Bowery photographed in east London, August 1984. Photograph: Steve Pyke/Getty Images

In October 1980, 19 year-old Leigh Bowery arrived in London from the small Australian town of Sunshine in suburban Melbourne. He brought with him a single suitcase and a portable sewing machine. A few months later, he spent his first Christmas away from home in a rented bedsit feeling depressed and lonely. On 31 December, he attempted to raise his spirits by writing down his new year resolutions:

1. Get weight down to 12 stone.
2. Learn as much as possible.
3. Become established in the world of art, fashion or literature.
4. Wear makeup every day.