TALKS, TOURS & LECTURES
Demonstrations
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Demonstration of Ikebana or Japanese Flower Arranging, V&A Museum, 2001 (click image for larger version)
Demonstrations
Come and watch artists, designers and craftspeople working as part of our free demonstrations programme. Demonstrations are linked to objects in the galleries or to temporary exhibitions. They include contemporary practice such as jewellery making or lighting design, and historical or traditional crafts such as medieval woodcarving or Islamic calligraphy. Drop-in and talk to the makers about the materials and techniques they use.
Contemporary mask-carver, Hideta Kitazawa. Copyright Kitazawa Sohta. (click image for larger version)
Elegant Accomplishments:The Art of Noh Performance
Toshiba Gallery, Room 45
Saturday 28, Sunday 29 & Monday 30 November
12.00-16.00
These demonstrations are designed to accompany the display Elegant Accomplishments from the V&A’s collection of superb Noh robes and masks together with prints illustrating Noh performance. The V&A has been collecting Noh masks since 1876, a time when the fate of Noh hung in the balance. These mask carving demonstrations by contemporary mask-carver Hideta Kitazawa offer a fascinating insight into this cultural phenomenon that was almost lost. Kitazawa has exhibited his works both nationally and internationally and received a number of awards for his masks which are used extensively by a number of Noh performers today. There will be
informal talks on each day at 12.00 and 14.00.
Free, drop-in
The Tristan Quilt, Unknown, about 1360-1400, Sicily, Italy (click image for larger version)
The Tristan Quilt
Maison de Boutis
Saturday 5 December
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
11.00-13.00
14.00-16.00 BSL interpreted
Learn about the techniques used to make the Tristan quilt, and see a life-size reproduction. The legend of Tristan and Isolde was a favoured narrative in the Middle Ages and part of the story is represented on this quilted linen coverlet, padded with cotton wadding, and with outlines in brown and white linen thread. The technique is known as 'Boutis' in France and is very much alive today, particularly in Provence. French embroiderers from Languedoc-Roussillon, led by Francine Nicolle, completed the reproduction quilt after 6,000 hours of work. They will be demonstrating the intricate art of Provencal Boutis - come along and try your hand at this technique under some expert guidance.
Free, drop in
The Tristan Quilt, Past and Present
Saturday 5 December
Medieval & Renaissance, Rooms 9
13.00 &16.00
Francine Nicholle and Stuart Frost will examine and compare the original and contemporary quilts.
Free, drop in
Previous Demonstrations....
Bonbonniere, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, Florence, about 1800 (click image for larger version)
Pietra Dura
Painting in Stone
Sunday 4 October
Sackler Centre & Gold Silver Mosaics, Rooms 73
11.00-16.30
Celebrate the mastery of the art of Pietra Dura, sometimes known as Italian mosaic. This fascinating technique is the piecing together of exquisitely cut, highly-polished, colored stones create pictures. The day begins with a demonstration of techniques and materials and includes talks and a handling session.
Demonstrations
Art Studio, Sackler Centre
11.30-13.00 & 14.00-16.00
Master craftsmen Firorenzo and Marco Paci of Paci Mosaics will be demonstrating the art of
Pietra Dura.
Free, drop in
Box, the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection, Rome, early 19th century, carved tortoise shell, chased gold and mosaic. Museum no. 482-2008 (click image for larger version)
Gallery Talks
Gold Silver Mosaics, Room
13.00-13.30 & 16.00-16.30
Tessa Murdoch talks about the collection of Italian mosaics in the Gilbert collection.
Free, drop in
Handling Session
Seminar Room 1 & Design Studio, Sackler Centre
15.00-16.00
Free, drop-in
Sea Creature by Mary Butcher. (click image for larger version)
Interwoven Cultures
Saturday 21 November
Seminar Room 2, Sackler Centre
11.00-13.00 and 14.30-16.30
Look at the V&A objects that have inspired Mary Butcher, find out about their origins and how cultures and societies have influenced her designs.
Free, no ticket required, places limited