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Victoria and Albert Museum

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Victoria and Albert Museum

The V&A is a family of museums dedicated to the power of creativity.
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Our mission is to champion design and creativity in all its forms, advance cultural knowledge, and inspire makers, creators and innovators everywhere. V&A South Kensington is a world of extraordinary global creativity, with unmissable exhibitions, experiences and educational programmes for all. One of London's most iconic buildings, it is home to national collections of art, design, fashion, photo

graphy and furniture to theatre, performance, architecture, and ceramics, as well as the UK's National Art Library. It is a place where everyone can experience a story of creativity that spans 5,000 years and every creative discipline, which brings that story to life through programmes and activities for all ages and specialisms, and world-leading research and conservation.

17/09/2024

What adorned the walls of your childhood bedroom? 🖼️

In the early 19th century, British middle-class homes had, for the first time, enough room to dedicate spaces just for children, leading to the creation of nurseries.

For many years, parents were the ones who chose the nursery wallpaper, using it to reflect their taste, social class, and expectations for their children. For example, nursery rhyme-inspired wallpaper was favoured for its believed educational potential.

Increasingly, however, from about the mid-1900s, children have been allowed to choose their own decorations to reflect their interests - whether it’s space, films or sports, or personalising their rooms by pasting up newspaper and magazine cuttings illustrating their hobbies and ‘crushes’, they bring a piece of popular culture into their personal space.
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-Portion of ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ wallpaper, designed by Walter Crane, manufactured by Jeffrey & Co., 1879, England
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-Portion of ‘Nursery Rhymes’ nursery wallpaper, by Walter Crane, manufactured by Jeffrey & Co., 1876, England
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-Portion of ‘Mickey Mouse’ border and frieze, produced by Arthur Sanderson & Sons Ltd., about 1930, England
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-Wallpaper frieze with scenes from nursery tales, designed by Mabel Lucie Attwell, produced by C. & G. Potter, 1913, England
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-Portion of ‘Quad Player 2’ wallpaper, featuring four players in the Manchester United football team, manufactured by Coloroll, 1995 – 96, England

15/09/2024

London Design Festival returns to the V&A for its 22nd edition. This year’s installations explore global cultures and how design can shape spaces, to bring people together and foster rituals.

- Un-hide: Reframing Luxury is an interactive seating series by Modular by Mensah redefining leather's role in contemporary design as a sustainable medium for building social connections and sharing. Un-hide: Reframing Luxury is supported by Bridge of Weir Leather and Muirhead Leather

- Craft x Tech bridges the gap between centuries-old Japanese craft and contemporary technology. Designers and artists from the Tohoku region of Japan come together to create works showcasing the rich history and future possibilities of these beautiful materials and techniques.

- The SIM Project examines the deep relationship between smartphones, belonging and migration. Born out of collaboration with Syrian refugees on a resettlement programme in Coventry, it combines the histories of photography, communication and jewellery to give material meaning to people’s virtual networks.

- Liang-Jung Chen, drawing from her experience of displacement, explores physical barrier as a design object. The barrier is a protagonist to redefine the relationship between people and objects in the museum.

- Angela Ford from Studio Raw Origins investigates raw materials from a decolonial perspective, using her family's DNA to craft artefacts that reflect untold histories and movements.

- ‘Communion’ is a communal pounding table designed by Giles Tettey Nartey to reimagine the practice of making ‘fufu’ - a West African staple food - into an almost choreographed fusion of movement and sound akin to dance. The design centres the process of collectively making and sharing a meal as a point for exchange and discussion.

- Arjun Singh Assa of Assa Designs explores generational knowledge and spiritual themes inspired by Sikh architecture, translating them into conceptual furniture pieces.

See these installations from 14-22 September at V&A South Kensington.

Music: Matt Shustack - The Architect

10/09/2024

Longing by the sea 🌊

This evocative watercolour draws inspiration from Geoffrey Chaucer’s ‘Franklin’s Tale’ in ‘The Canterbury Tales’, highlighting artist Edward Burne-Jones’s fascination with medieval themes. In the tale, Dorigen anxiously awaits her husband’s return from a dangerous sea voyage, fearing that the treacherous rocks near the harbour will cause his ship to wreck.

Burne-Jones captures her longing and dread, portraying her in a moment of deep emotional turmoil. The ghostly figures adorning her portable organ suggest the reunion she desperately hopes for, yet cannot achieve alone, as the organ requires another person to pump the bellows. This detail underscores her profound loneliness. With arms outstretched, Dorigen opens the shutters to the view of a turbulent sea, symbolising her sense of despair and helplessness.

🌊‘Dorigen of Bretagne longing for the safe return of her husband’, watercolour by Edward Burne-Jones, 1871

06/09/2024

The Prince of Cool 🎺

Jazz trumpeter and vocalist Chet Baker rose to fame in 1952, quickly becoming a cult figure. In this photograph, Baker hides behind his beloved trumpet for the photographer Herman Leonard.

Baker’s life would become increasingly unstable due to well-publicised struggles with drug addiction which curtailed his career. Today he is known as the icon of West Coast cool jazz, with My Funny Valentine, Autumn Leaves and Let’s Get Lost as just a few beautiful songs in their catalogue.

See it on display alongside other iconic musicians in our exhibition - Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection.

📸 - Herman Leonard (1923-2010), Chet Baker, New York City, 1956

05/09/2024

Before laptops were born 📝

Although writing boxes existed for centuries, it wasn’t until the 17th and 18th centuries that the writing box became a traveller’s best friend.

Driven by the needs of a changing world - wars, rising commerce, and increased travel - these portable desks became a staple for military personnel, travellers, and intellectuals alike, allowing them to write home to loved ones, craft poems and document their journeys.

But the writing box wasn’t just about practicality - it symbolised knowledge, global awareness and personal expression in a world on the move. For over a century, these boxes accompanied their owners on adventures both mundane and monumental.

▪️Papier-mâché, with stationary compartments, pen tray and inkpot, painted and inlaid with mother-of-pearl on the lid. English, ca. 1840-70
▪️Walnut and oak, almost certainly made in the court workshops of Henry VIII, painted with the heraldic badges of Henry and his first queen, Katherine of Aragon, ca. 1525
▪️Writing box, fritware with polychrome underglaze painting, Turkey (Iznik), ca. 1585-90
▪️Rosewood writing slope with marquetry of various woods depicting Eridge Castle, Tunbridge Wells, ca. 1830-70

04/09/2024

We’re pleased to reveal a series of new exhibitions as part of our upcoming programme for 2025.

• Cartier (Apr 2025 – Nov 2025) at V&A South Kensington. The UK’s first major exhibition in almost 30 years dedicated to the creations of Cartier.
• Design and Disability (Jun 2025 – Feb 2026) at V&A South Kensington. Exploring disability as a culture and an identity through its engagement with design, art, architecture, fashion, and photography.
• Marie Antoinette Style (Sep 2025 – Mar 2026) at V&A South Kensington. Exploring the origins and revivals of the style of Marie Antoinette. Sponsored by Manolo Blahnik
• Making Egypt (Feb 2025 – Nov 2025) at Young V&A. Investigating how stories and images of ancient Egypt continue to fascinate and influence today. Supported by The William Brake Foundation and a bequest from Sabina Stevenson in memory of Hugh James Stevenson
• A Fragile Correspondence (Nov 2024) at V&A Dundee. A journey across the Scottish Highlands, Islands and Lowlands.
• Garden Futures: Designing with Nature (May 2025) at V&A Dundee. Garden ideals from across the globe and how they influence the way we design and inhabit gardens today.

1. Bandeau in emerald, ruby, sapphire, diamond and platinum, Cartier London, 1928 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
2. 'Rebirth’ Garments. Sandra Oviedo (a.k.a.) Colectivo Multipolar.
3. Antoinetta, 2005 by Manolo Blahnik.
4. Set of nine photographic prints on aluminium, by Chant Avedissian, 1990 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
5. Piet Oudolf Garden at Vitra Design Museum. Photo courtesy of Vitra Design Museum.
6. Orkney. Photo Simon Forsyth, Lateral North.

30/08/2024

Plot twist 🦢

The classical Greek legend of Leda and the Swan is given a new twist in this art medal by contemporary artist Linda Crook. Zeus, disguised in the form of a swan, instead becomes Leda’s prey, freeing Leda from her original 'victim' role.

In this piece, ‘Leda and the Hat Pin’, we see the concluding episode of the story. The swan is unable to escape being made into a fancy hat, which Leda tidies up with a hat pin. The reverse of the medal shows that the hat pin might be a feather plucked from the swan.

🦢'Leda and the Hat Pin', a reworking of the classical myth, Leda and the Swan, medal, silver cast, with dark patination, by Linda Crook, England, 1999

27/08/2024

‘August of another summer’

Roger Mayne (1929–2014) was a self-taught British photographer best known for his vibrant and intimate portrayal of post-war life in the UK during the 1950s and 1960s.

His photographs bring to life the everyday experiences of working-class communities, with a particular focus on children’s play and social interactions. Inspired by the humanist photography movement and driven by a desire to show the dignity and resilience of ordinary people, Mayne's images are rich in character and atmosphere, offering a poignant glimpse into a bygone era of urban life.

📷Photographs by Roger Mayne, captured in August in the years 1957-66, UK

22/08/2024

This is the original artwork for the Rolling Stones famous “Tongue” logo, designed by John Pasche 👅

An iconic symbol recognisable across the globe, it represents the Rolling Stones as anti-establishment, sticking their tongue out to the world, while giving them a corporate identity.

Mick Jagger, lead singer of The Rolling Stones, had seen Pasche’s designs at the 1970 Royal College of Art final degree show. After later meeting to discuss ideas, Jagger showed Pasche an image of the Hindu goddess Kali. Pasche, honing in on the goddess’s protruding tongue, was inspired to create his famous logo, which captured perfectly the bold unruliness of the band, and the prominence and sensuality of Jagger’s mouth.

This artwork is painted on art board, overlaid with a semi-opaque drawing cell causing the background to appear grey. The red colour would be added during the production process, as can be seen in the digital print produced from this artwork in 2007, as you can see in the second slide.

📸 The Rolling Stones “The Tongue” logo original artwork, designed by John Pasche, 1970

20/08/2024

'Welcome to come but not to go'.

This is the fearsome Cerberus, cast in iron for use as a doorstop.

Cerberus was a creature in Greek and Roman mythology who guarded the gates to the underworld. The three heads of this particular Cerberus are of a bulldog, a bloodhound and a deerhound, breeds favoured as both hunting and guard dogs throughout the Victorian period.

Cerberus is often depicted wandering the banks of the River Styx, preventing the dead from leaving the underworld, a habit alluded to in the inscription on the brass banner: 'Welcome to come but not to go'. You'd think twice before entering.

Read about this object and more in our ‘A-Z of metalwork’ - link in bio.

🐕 Door stop, designed by John Bell, made by Stuart and Smith, about 1848, Sheffield, England

15/08/2024

“While there is tea, there is hope.” - Arthur Wing Pinero 🫖☕️

The teapot might seem like a thing of the past, overshadowed by the convenience of tea bags. Yet its timeless shape, functionality and rich history continue to inspire artisans and metalsmiths alike.
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David Clarke’s ‘Brouhaha,’ takes a 19th-century teapot and stretches it out to morph into a vase, shifting the teapot away from its original purpose, yet remaining instantly recognisable. This innovative piece bridges the old and the new, exploring the power of material culture and the deep connection we have to well-loved domestic objects.
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Read more about the history of teapots via link in bio.
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🫖Brouhaha, vase, by David Clarke, 2007, England

13/08/2024

“The beach is always going to be an integral part of what I do – it just goes on and on. I’m off to the beach tomorrow.” – Martin Parr

Martin Parr is celebrated for his vivid, distinctive photography offering humorous, yet revealing, glimpses into everyday life.
In the summers of the early 1980s, he captured the lives of working-class Britons at the seaside town of New Brighton during a period of social decline.

His series, ‘The Last Resort: Photographs of New Brighton,’ became iconic, earning him worldwide recognition as a pioneer in colour documentary photography and a master of satirical visual storytelling.

📸Photos from ‘The Last Resort: Photographs of New Brighton’, Martin Parr, 1986

12/08/2024

What's your favourite item on display at the V&A?

With over 2.8 million objects spanning 5,000 years of human creativity – there's something for everyone at the V&A.

Whether you're a devotee of the classics or a fan of the unconventional, our displays have it all – fashion, photography, jewellery, gadgets and beyond.

Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail is open until 8 September 2024, featuring items from Taylor’s personal archive on display – from customized cowboy boots to unseen archival material exploring her childhood and recording legacy. For more details visit https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/va-trail-taylor-swift-songbook

If you're into it – it's in the V&A.

🎤 Sennheiser microphone used by Taylor Swift, 2018
👢 Cowboy boots worn by Taylor Swift, 2007 © Liberty Boot Co.
Courtesy of TAS Rights Management, LLC

10/08/2024

Tokens of luck and love 🌼🌸

Today the bouquet is generally the floral focus of a bride’s ensemble, but they only became traditional from the 1840s onwards.

Before then, it was more common for brides to carry or wear sprigs and wreaths made of flowers, particularly orange blossom, a symbol of virtue and fertility in the Victorian period. Queen Victoria herself married Albert wearing a wreath of artificial orange blossom.

Orange blossom proved popular into the 20th century too - the bias-cut 1930s gown in the first slide is accessorised with an orange blossom choker, representing a modern interpretation of the Victorian tradition.

🍊Wedding dress choker, Charles James, 1934, England
🌿Wedding corset (details), 1905, Britain
👒Wedding bonnet trimmed with sprays of artificial orange blossom, 1845, England
👰‍♀️Wedding dress ensemble, 1848, England

08/08/2024

The man who forever changed how we see cats 😺

Louis Wain (1860-1939) was an English artist best known for his unique drawings of cats with human-like traits and behaviours.

It all started with Peter, his pet cat, whom he sketched to bring comfort to his terminally ill wife, Emily. Encouraged by Emily to share his work with the world, Wain often credited Peter as the “principal model and the pioneer of my success.”

Despite his widespread popularity, Wain never made his fortune and would sometimes donate his earnings to charities helping stray cats. Tragically, his later years were marked by declining mental health, Wain was hospitalised until his death in 1939, but continued to draw cats during this period.

Through his art, Wain not only immortalised his beloved Peter but also transformed our perception of cats, turning from being seen as pests into beloved and expressive creatures.

😸’Afternoon at Home’, a cat tea-party, ca. 1900-1925.
😺‘A good read’, date unknown.
😻’Funiculi Funicula’, a tabby cat playing a banjo, ca. 1920.
😼A cat climbing a beanstalk, date unknown.

07/08/2024

🌷Tulip mania🌷

In the late 17th century, there was a great craze for tulips in the Netherlands, which led to the creation of huge pyramids of stacking flower holders by skilled potters in Delft.

Seen as symbols of eternity and power, these intricate pieces were often used in architecture, as celebratory, temporary structures in gardens and public spaces and as highly decorative additions to palaces and country houses, with or without their flowers.

This vase, part of a pair, features a base supported by royal lions and nine tiers of square flower holders. Each tier could be filled with water and flowers would be placed in every spout. Even the finial at the top shaped like a female bust has holes in the top of the head intended for more flowers.

🌷Tin-glazed earthenware flower pyramid, painted in cobalt-blue, Netherlands (Delft), ca. 1695.

05/08/2024

“If you are careful with people, they will offer you part of themselves. This is the big secret.” - Eve Arnold

Arnold shot this candid photograph of Marilyn Monroe on the set of ‘The Misfit’s in Reno, Nevada 1960. No one was to know that the film would be Monroe’s last motion picture.

Arnold and Monroe were good friends by the time this picture was taken and had known each other for over 10 years. Marilyn relied on Arnold not only as a photographer but as a trusted confidante.

Arnold’s approach to portraiture breathed life into the subjects she photographed, depicting them not as static models but instead full of charisma and human emotion.

See it on display in our exhibition Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection

© Eve Arnold, Magnum Photos

02/08/2024

Selling the seaside ☀️🏖️
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The idea of taking a seaside holiday goes back to the 18th century when the health benefits of sea air and seawater became widely recognised.
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With the expansion of the railways, coastal excursions quickly gained popularity across all social classes. Eager to boost leisure travel, railway companies produced vibrant posters promoting trips to holiday resorts which were now more accessible than ever.
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From stylish sunbathers to focusing on the landscape itself, these posters are nostalgic snapshots of holidays at the seaside. By the 1950s the British seaside holiday was in decline as package holidays to Spain and the Mediterranean became more popular and affordable.

💨‘Skegness is SO Bracing’, John Hassall, designed 1908, printed 1925, England
🏖️East Coast by LNER, Tom Purvis, 1925, UK
🌊‘Go Great Western to Cornwall’, Edward McKnight Kauffer, 1932, UK
🌞Brighton & South Coast Railway, unknown, about 1910 – 15, England

29/07/2024

Bringing ‘the dream of oneself into being’ 📸

took this series of offstage photographs to document the international scene of cabaret performers, drag queens, st*****rs and go-go dancers over five years.

Using a Mamiya 7 camera instead of a digital camera gave Magnus “a sense of occasion to every shot, made each click of the shutter an event.” Shot in cities ranging from New York to London, many of the resulting photographs showed how donning the makeup and costume was for the performers part of the process of removing a mask, not putting it on ✨

1) Mr. Blanche DuBois preparing for his appearance in Miss Honey’s Speak Easy at Tobergal Lane Café, Sligo, Ireland, 2010.

2) Chris Harder applying his makeup backstage at Boy Box, a theme night at the G Lounge, New York City, USA, 2011

3) Felicity Carmichaels adjusting her costume in a dressing room backstage at the Darcelle XV Showplace, Portland, Oregon, USA, 2013

4) Felicity Carmichaels applying eye make-up in a dressing room backstage

27/07/2024

NOW OPEN - Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail at V&A South Kensington

These customised Liberty Boot Co. cowboy boots, featuring Taylor Swift’s name and her lucky number 13, are from Taylor's Self-Titled era, 2006 – 2007 when she was a country music performer.

The number 13 crops up repeatedly across Taylor’s career and has its own lore: “I was born on the 13th, I turned 13 on Friday the 13th, my first album went gold in 13 weeks. Also, my first song that ever went number 1, it had a 13 second intro, I didn't even do that on purpose!”

While cowboy boots were originally designed with practicality in mind, they evolved into modern fashion statements, becoming synonymous with the American West and a key part of the visual identity of the country music genre.

The custom design also uses motifs typical of American traditional tattooing, such as roses, hearts, flames and banners.

These boots are currently on display as part of one of the 13 stops on the Taylor Swift | Songbook Trail at V&A South Kensington. Link in comments below.

LIBERTY BOOT CO. Courtesy of TAS Rights Management, LLC

26/07/2024

Over a period of two years, photographer and film director captured male actors weeping in her series ‘Crying Men’. The series portrays famous figures as ‘iconic but also broken and fallible’. It leaves the viewer unsure if the sitters are revealing honest emotion or showcasing their acting ability.

The cinematic shots appear like film stills with the performers removed from their storyline, and for Taylor-Johnson, ‘stripped of their defences’, ultimately challenging any notion that men should not show vulnerability.

On display in our exhibition Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection.

23/07/2024

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Kenneth Grange.

Throughout his career, Grange pushed the limits of design. Some of his iconic works include the Anglepoise lamp, Kodak’s Instamatic camera, Kenwood kitchen appliances, Wilkinson Sword disposable razors, British Rail’s Inter-City 125 train and even the LTI TX-1 London taxi.

He was often described as the person who modernised the domestic life of Britain, with products that were beautifully made, well-engineered and a joy to use. His portfolio of work will go on to inspire future generations of industrial designers.

From our collection:

2) Kenwood Chefette manufactured by Kenwood 1966-1968
3) Brownie Vecta camera manufactured by Kodak 1964
4) 'Kodaslide 40' slide projector manufactured by Kodak 1963
5) Milward Courier cordless electric shaver 1961

Image © Kenneth Grange archive. Courtesy of Kenneth Grange, Pentagram and the Victoria and Albert Museum

21/07/2024

So Mucha love for these art nouveau masterpieces by Alphonse Mucha - the Czech painter who turned advertising into fine art.

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1. Poster by Alphonse Mucha for the publisher F. Champenois, Paris, 1898
2. Poster by Alphonse Mucha advertising 'Job' cigarette papers. France, 1897
3. Poster-calendar by Alphonse Mucha for the periodical La Plume, France,1898
4. Poster by Alphonse Mucha entitled 'Bières De La Meuse'. France, 1897

Did you know that you can come and see these for yourself? Just visit the Prints and Drawings Room at V&A South Kensington and ask us!

18/07/2024

The wonderful work of Leigh Bowery.

This outfit from 1984 was made from floral and snake-skin prints and ruffles - designed to be worn by any model. Its fantastical outline and mix of different styles addresses preconceptions of gender, sexual identity and the creation of self image.

Bowery did not call themselves a fashion designer, however it became one of the first expressions of their creativity. This outfit was one of only a handful to survive, modelled at a fashion show in Tokyo organised by Susanne Bartsch.

Bowery also sat for several paintings and etchings for Lucian Freud - currently included in a new display in our Prints and Drawings Room 90.

15/07/2024

‘And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter. Jer. XVIII.4’
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Considered some of the most inventive potters of the late 19th century, the Martin Brothers took a playful approach to the fickle process of working with clay.
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This ‘marred’ pot resulted from throwing the clay so thin that the pots collapsed under their own weight. It was then manipulated and inscribed with the quotation above from the Book of Jeremiah.
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The unexpected shape of the pot captures a specific moment in time, revealing the ‘hand of the potter’ in a way that we do not usually see. Instead of destroying the ‘imperfect’ work, the Martin Brothers’ ‘marred’ pots celebrated the unpredictability of the process.
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🏺Pot with squashed ‘marred’ body, stoneware, by the Martin Brothers, late 19th century

11/07/2024

Price tag: $620,000 💰

This is the most expensive costume produced in Hollywood when it was made in 1944.
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Worn by Ginger Rogers in Lady In The Dark, the dress cost $35,000 US dollars to make, which would be about $620,000 today.
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As you can imagine, the dress was incredibly heavy to wear, so two versions were created - one for singing and static close-ups and another lighter version for dancing.
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In the film, Rogers plays Liza Elliott, a successful fashion editor on the edge of a breakdown, daydreaming of glamour. According to the costume’s designer, the legendary Edith Head, “the dreams created a perfect plot excuse for fabulous gowns.”
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💃🏻Film costume worn by Ginger Rogers as Liza Elliott in Lady in the Dark, designed by Edith Head and Mitchell Leisen, 1944

10/07/2024

English icons in art and sport 🌟
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This watercolour portrait of Bobby Moore (1941-1993) was painted by Sir Peter Blake, the ‘Godfather of British Pop Art’.
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Moore, a legendary figure in English football, captained the national team to its historic World Cup victory in 1966, forever cementing his place in sporting history.
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Though most renowned for his collages like the album sleeve for The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, in this portrait, Blake returns to the naturalistic style of his earlier paintings, beautifully capturing Moore’s spirit.
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Will we see the Three Lions roar to a similar victory this Euros 2024 tournament?
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⚽️‘Bobby Moore’, watercolour drawing by Sir Peter Blake, Great Britain, 1970.

08/07/2024

Seeing the invisible 🩻
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The discovery of X-rays in 1895 transformed photography, allowing images to reveal not only the outlines of objects but also their hidden inner structures. This had obvious benefits for medical applications, but it also opened up a previously unseen world beyond human vision.
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The first X-ray image of a human hand, shown in its print form here, was created by A.A Campbell-Swinton in 1896. That same year, he founded Britain’s first radiographic laboratory, where he continued to experiment with imaging, publishing in 1908 ‘Distant Electric Vision’ - now recognised as the foundation of television.
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✋Albumen print from the first X-ray negative of the Human Hand by A.A Campbell Swinton, 1896

04/07/2024

Expectation vs. reality - a typical British summer ☔☀️

Published in the same year in 1925, both posters promote the use of the London Underground system, whatever the weather.

The first poster was designed by renowned ‘Poster King’ Edward McKnight Kauffer (1890–1954), who is often credited with introducing modernist art to the British public. The use of geometric shapes and bold colours is typical of Kauffer’s cubist influences during this period.

The second was the work of Frederick Charles Herrick (1887-1970), a prolific designer best known for his posters major public organisations. The umbrella was a commonly used motif during this time, and is a fitting metaphor for the London Underground as a refuge from the typical English weather.

☀️’Summertime Pleasures By Underground’. Colour lithograph poster depicting a pierrot. Issued by the Underground Electric Railways Co. of London, Ltd., 1925.

☔’London’s Umbrella. London’s Underground’. Colour lithograph poster. Issued by the Underground Electric Railways Co. of London, Ltd., 1925.

03/07/2024

✨ NAOMI: In Fashion NOW OPEN ✨

Discover stunning garments and accessories that chronicle Naomi Campbell’s 40 years in the spotlight, from her most memorable catwalk appearances to pieces from her personal wardrobe.

“A blockbuster tribute to a spectacular - and singular - fashion career” – Vogue

★★★★ – The Times
★★★★ – The Independent

Book tickets in link via bio, members go free.

Supported by BOSS

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Videos

London Design Festival returns to the V&A for its 22nd edition. This year’s installations explore global cultures and how design can shape spaces, to bring people together and foster rituals. - Un-hide: Reframing Luxury is an interactive seating series by Modular by Mensah redefining leather's role in contemporary design as a sustainable medium for building social connections and sharing. Un-hide: Reframing Luxury is supported by Bridge of Weir Leather and Muirhead Leather - Craft x Tech bridges the gap between centuries-old Japanese craft and contemporary technology. Designers and artists from the Tohoku region of Japan come together to create works showcasing the rich history and future possibilities of these beautiful materials and techniques. - The SIM Project examines the deep relationship between smartphones, belonging and migration. Born out of collaboration with Syrian refugees on a resettlement programme in Coventry, it combines the histories of photography, communication and jewellery to give material meaning to people’s virtual networks. - Liang-Jung Chen, drawing from her experience of displacement, explores physical barrier as a design object. The barrier is a protagonist to redefine the relationship between people and objects in the museum. - Angela Ford from Studio Raw Origins investigates raw materials from a decolonial perspective, using her family's DNA to craft artefacts that reflect untold histories and movements. - ‘Communion’ is a communal pounding table designed by Giles Tettey Nartey to reimagine the practice of making ‘fufu’ - a West African staple food - into an almost choreographed fusion of movement and sound akin to dance. The design centres the process of collectively making and sharing a meal as a point for exchange and discussion. - Arjun Singh Assa of Assa Designs explores generational knowledge and spiritual themes inspired by Sikh architecture, translating them into conceptual furniture pieces. See these insta

✨ NAOMI: In Fashion NOW OPEN ✨

✨ NAOMI: In Fashion NOW OPEN ✨ Discover stunning garments and accessories that chronicle Naomi Campbell’s 40 years in the spotlight, from her most memorable catwalk appearances to pieces from her personal wardrobe. “A blockbuster tribute to a spectacular - and singular - fashion career” – Vogue ★★★★ – The Times ★★★★ – The Independent Book tickets in link via bio, members go free. Supported by BOSS

Want to say something to the world? Start a zine! 📰🖍️ ‌Join curator Kristian as he talks us through some quirky ‘90s zines on feminism. Zines are self-published works that allow individuals to share their thoughts and perspectives with like-minded communities. Originating in the 1940s from science fiction clubs, zines have evolved into a vibrant medium for exploring and sharing a diverse range of ideas and issues.

Two weeks to go until NAOMI: In Fashion is runway ready ✨ This breathtaking Valentino ensemble was made for Naomi Campbell for the Met Gala in 2019. Designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli, it is crafted from chiffon and lace with a matching feathered cape embellished with sequins. See this look alongside other stunning pieces from fashion houses from Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood to BOSS and Versace.

‘Why I chose Fragile Beauty is because, in so many of these images, there’s a lot of sadness’ – Elton John 📸 Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection celebrates over 140 photographers and their era-defining images. Watch the full interview over on YouTube. In partnership with Gucci

Open today - Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection 📸Discover our major new exhibition of modern and contemporary photography, with over 300 rare prints from 140 photographers – our largest ever. ✨ Marking 30 years of collecting, the show celebrates Elton John and David Furnish’s passion for the medium and explores themes such as fashion, celebrity, reportage, the male body and American photography. ★★★★★ – Evening Standard ★★★★★ – Time Out. Book tickets now, members go free. In partnership with Gucci

The blueprints of nature 🌸In 1854, the English photographer and botanist Anna Atkins created a series of images preserving natural objects using cyanotype. 170 years later, print designer Beth Postle is recreating this fascinating photographic process in her Margate studio, producing intricate, nature inspired designs on textiles.

Something exciting has arrived at the museum…🎁 We’re putting the final touches together for our major new exhibition - Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection. Opening this Saturday. ✨In partnership with Gucci

Two different looks - both show-stoppers. Billie Eilish’s futuristic outfit in our DIVA exhibition was designed by Stella McCartney and inspired by the Fab Four, popped when she headlined the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury 2022 🎪 Lady Gaga’s Maison Valentino ball gown comes with a puff sleeve cape with a regal cascading train - a subtle tribute to Judy Garland who starred in the 1954 film ‘A Star is Born’. Supported by NET-A-PORTER and with additional support from Tonwelt

Lil Nas X with dazzling Versace ✨Rapper, singer and songwriter Lil Nas X hit the MTV Video Music Awards in 2021 with this purple silk number by Donatella Versace, featured in our DIVA exhibition. Paying homage to both Prince and Lil Kim’s purple jumpsuit in 1999, the ensemble features crystal embroidery and a show-stopping long train. Supported by NET-A-PORTER and with additional support from Tonwelt.

Our first Fashion in Motion of 2024 with Francesco Colucci ✨In our iconic Raphael Gallery last week, visual artist Francesco showcased his stunning designs alongside a dramatic live dressing of his muse Diamondpeachlollipop.

The timeless charm of English Toby Jugs 🥹✨ Meet Bob Moores, one of our official superfan advisors who stopped by V&A South Kensington to share a glimpse into his impressive Toby Jug collection. ‌Originating in 18th-century England, these pottery jugs are shaped like a seated figure, typically wearing clothing from that period and often depicting jovial characters or historical figures. While they faded from popularity in the 1820s, Toby Jugs remain treasured collectibles globally. ‌Whether it’s in a museum or in a bedroom, collections are important archives for future generations. ‌If you’re into it, it’s in the V&A.

Meet Pumpie the elephant! 🐘Join our curator Will in our stores as we discover all about Pumpie’s life. Pumpie was made around 1900 and only has one eye and one ear, but was very well loved ❤️ Tell us in the comments about a toy that you loved as a child 🧸

Join our senior curator of theatre and performance Kate Bailey and NET-A-PORTER content director Alice Casely-Hayford at the DIVA exhibition for a deep-dive into some of Rihanna’s most showstopping looks. Rihanna has cemented her status as a true fashion icon and a major force in pop culture with her bold looks and chameleonic style. Supported by NET-A-PORTER, with additional support by tonwelt

Unboxing a vintage Chanel suit and hat - ASMR style. Join curator @stephaniewoodstagram as she carefully unboxes haute couture garments designed by Gabrielle Chanel for her Spring/Summer 1965 collection. Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto is sold out but V&A Members can go free. With the support of #chanel In partnership with Palais Galliera, musée de la Mode de la Ville de Paris and Paris Musees

Early virtual reality from 19th century⚡️👁️Stereographs are made up of a pair of photographs of the same subject taken from slightly different angles. When viewed through a stereoscope, the two images merge, creating a three-dimensional illusion. This caused a sensation in the 1850s, where stereoscopes quickly became a popular entertainment feature in many homes. Produced in their thousands, stereographs covered a wide range of subjects, from the educational to the amusing, documentary to the scientific. This series presents botanical specimens from South Africa, with each image revealing the plant’s individual characteristics.

Making an entrance in Chanel 🌟Join dressmaking expert Sue Clark as she examines this 1930s luxurious, sparkly Chanel trouser suit.Designed at a time when women would have worn dresses rather than trousers for formal occasions, this glistening ensemble would have made quite the impression. With the support of #chanel

Christmas is a time for sending letters through the post for loved ones. It’s also a time for eating biscuits. Our assistant curator Iona takes a closer look at this iconic pillar box capturing the spirit ✨

Barbie vs Sindy: who wins? 💇‍♀️ Our Assistant Curator Trish Roberts takes a look at fashion rivals Barbie and Sindy. The original 1959 Barbie was stylish, glamorous, the ultimate California girl. But her rival Sindy was launched in 1963 as Britain’s answer – with a super cool wardrobe too. Watch the full film over on YouTube.

Ballet in the museum, after dark… 🌙💃 Watch the English National Ballet performance of ‘Les Noces, Ascent to Days’, set against the dramatic backdrop of the V&A’s Raphael Gallery at last month’s Friday Late. An evening which celebrated the power of dance to capture the spirit of our times, across a breadth of different genres.