Development of the portrait miniatures gallery, 2005
The International Music and Art Foundation Gallery
View of the Portrait Miniatures Gallery.
The V&A has the national collection of British portrait miniatures, a unique watercolour art form which developed during the reign of Henry VIII and had its heyday in the reign of Queen Victoria before the rise in popularity of photography. The gallery includes masterpieces by Hans Holbein, the Elizabethan Nicholas Hilliard, Samuel Cooper who worked for both Cromwell and Charles II, and Richard Cosway, miniature painter to the Prince Regent.
Designer
The gallery was designed by Casson Mann who also designed the Julie and Robert Breckman Gallery of Prints and Drawing.
This development was completed as part of FuturePlan
FuturePlan is transforming the V&A by revitalising visitor facilities and redisplaying the collections. Using the best architects and designers, we are bringing the V&A into the 21st century and restoring modern design and innovation to the heart of the museum.
Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950
From 19 May 2012 the V&A celebrates the opening of the newly renovated Fashion Galleries with an exhibition of beautiful ballgowns, red carpet evening dresses and catwalk showstoppers.
Book nowShop online
The Portrait Miniature in England
A fascinating account of the development of English miniature painting featuring masterpieces from the V&A's collection.
Buy nowEvent - Holbein to Hockney: Art in Britain at the V&A
Tue 22 January 2013 14:00
SHORT COURSE: Explore the rich and fascinating history of British art through examples held in the V&A’s unrivalled collection of paintings, drawings and prints.
