Collecting Abroad for the V&A 1851-1914
Henry Cole's sketch of the enamelled crucifix he purchased during a visit to Florence in 1859.
2 October 2012 – 26 May 2013
Library Landing, Room 85
Admission free
This display uses rarely-seen personal accounts and official records to tell the stories of five intrepid agents whose mission was to find and buy the best of world art and design for the V&A: Henry Cole and Richard Redgrave (Italy), Robert Murdoch Smith (Iran), Caspar Purdon Clarke (Turkey), and Charles Wylde (China).
About displays
Complementing our permanent collections, there are many free temporary displays around the V&A. They range in size from a single case to a room.
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The Gilbert Collection at the V&A
Arthur and Rosalind Gilbert began collecting in the 1960s and over a period of about 40 years formed one of the world's most magnificent private colle…
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