Development of the gold, silver and mosaics galleries, 2009

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Galleries

The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Galleries

In 2009 a generous donation and endowment from the Heather Trust enabled the V&A to re-display the Gilbert Collection, one of the most important collections of works of art ever gifted to Britain.

The Collection, previously displayed at Somerset House (2000-2007), was formed over four decades in Los Angeles by the late Sir Arthur Gilbert, a Briton by birth, and his wife Rosalinde. The result of their passion for great craftsmanship it comprises breath-taking objects in the fields of English and Continental gold and silver, gold snuff-boxes, Italian micro-mosaics, pietre dure from Florence and Rome and enamel portrait miniatures. In each of these fields it is pre-eminent. The collection was given to the nation in 1996, an act of outstanding generosity for which Sir Arthur was awarded his Knighthood.

The redisplay of the superb collection of gold, silver, micro-mosaics, pietre dure and gold boxes provided an exciting and dramatic complement to the existing Whiteley Silver and Sacred Silver and Stained Glass Galleries. The displays highlight the virtuoso quality of works in different media, emphasizing their technical achievement.

Designer

The gallery designer was Céline Dalcher in the V&A's Design Department. She previously worked for Nick Coombe Architecture and her previous work included the exhibition designs for The Heart at the Wellcome Collection and Beauty and the Beast - new Swedish Design for the Crafts Council Gallery.