Behind the scenes: Marking objects with Museum numbers

Detail of a stained glass roundel, about 1500. Museum no. 1239-1855

Detail of a stained glass roundel, about 1500. Museum no. 1239-1855

Every object in the Victoria and Albert museum has its own museum number. This number links the object to all the information kept about it in the museum.

The number is usually marked directly on the object so it can always be identified and cannot become separated from the documentation about it.

It is important that marking the number on the object does not damage it in any way. At the same time, the number needs to be durable so it will not fade or rub off.

Click on the images below for larger versions and for detailed information about marking specific objects.




Wooden snuff box, 19th Century, Museum no. T.1550A-1913

Wooden snuff box, 19th Century, Museum no. T.1550A-1913

A woman's shirt for riding dress, Museum no. T.103:4-2003

A woman's shirt for riding dress, Museum no. T.103:4-2003

Maiolica Dish, about 1525, Italy

Maiolica Dish, about 1525, Italy

Caricature of Austin Rudd, George Cooke, about 1904. Museum no. S.392:53-2002

Caricature of Austin Rudd, George Cooke, about 1904. Museum no. S.392:53-2002

Fragment of stained glass, 17th century. Museum no. Pt.C.417-1915

Fragment of stained glass, 17th century. Museum no. Pt.C.417-1915

Boy's sword, about 1775, Matthew Boulton, about 1775. Museum no. 141-1889

Boy's sword, about 1775, Matthew Boulton, about 1775. Museum no. 141-1889

One of four legs from a sideboard, 1848-50. Museum no. W.7:4-1967

One of four legs from a sideboard, 1848-50. Museum no. W.7:4-1967

Bracelet clasp, about 1770. Museum no. M.51-1962

Bracelet clasp, about 1770. Museum no. M.51-1962

A gift in your will

You may not have thought of including a gift to a museum in your will, but the V&A is a charity and legacies form an important source of funding for our work. It is not just the great collectors and the wealthy who leave legacies to the V&A. Legacies of all sizes, large and small, make a real difference to what we can do and your support can help ensure that future generations enjoy the V&A as much as you have.

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