Michael Jackson treasures go on show this week

Jackson was to have played 50 dates at The O2 arena, starting in July, and an exhibition had been mooted to run concurrently. But his sudden death at the end of June meant the exhibition has become a tribute instead, with jackets, shoes, and personal items from the singer's Neverland home all on show, some of them being seen for the very first time in public.

Robert Santelli (pictured), executive director of the Grammy Museum, is the man in charge of curating the collection and he spoke to The Wharf about it.

He said: "Normally it would take two years to put an exhibition together like this but we did it in a matter of weeks. It all came together very quickly.

"The artefacts came from the Michael Jackson Estate warehouses and we spent hours sorting out the right articles to tell his story.

"There are his sequin jackets, which weigh 15lbs each, and are more like flak jackets.

"Michael was not a large man and I think people will be amazed to see how heavy these things are. He needed to be fit to perform in them but they are exquisite."

The exhibition is a treasure trove for Jackson enthusiasts, lifting the lid on some of his most famous musical moments.

"We reveal how he achieved the famous lean in the Smooth Criminal video using his gravity boots," said Mr Santelli.

"It's not something we would have revealed before but with Michael sadly gone people will be able to see how it was done.

"But the most iconic item is probably his crystal-covered glove, and it's great for his fans to be able to get so close to it."

Other items highlight the unusual tastes of the man, including a throne, crown and sceptre showing his obsession with royalty. There's his Rolls Royce, a number of paintings and even a rocking horse given as a present by Elizabeth Taylor.

There are also the costumes Jackson would have worn during his This Is It residency at The O2 and a model of the stage (pictured below) on which he was to perform.

For Mr Santelli they reveal more about Jackson, and his attention to detail, than the lurid "Wacko Jacko" newspaper headlines portrayed.

He said: "I was lucky enough to spend some time with Michael at Neverland in 2003 and was always amazed by him.

"I was impressed by his knowledge of the history of US music, how Motown singers like Jackie Wilson fitted into the story. He loved music.

"Michael always seemed quite normal. He was very hands on with the project we were discussing and he felt it was a necessity to get involved, which is unusual for an entertainer.

"He gave his ideas and he wanted to be part of everything. Most performers just sing songs that are given to them but Michael was different. He had a huge creative need."

Mr Santelli has no doubt about Jackson's place in the pantheon of popular culture.

He said: "In America, as in Britain, we have a history of great entertainers, whether it's singers, dancers or songwriters, but Michael could do everything. He was the consummate entertainer.

"There were a lot of stories that grew up around him but in time I believe people will see him as perhaps our greatest ever entertainer because he really could do it all.

"Hopefully every Michael Jackson fan will be able to come to this exhibition, although nothing can ever replace him."

Michael Jackson: The Exhibition is at The O2 Bubble from October 28. Visit theo2.co.uk.