Facilities for people with visual impairment
Gallery talk for visitors with visual impairment
For any assistance during your visit, please contact a member of staff or the Disability Officer on telephone +44 (0)20 7942 2766, text phone +44 (0)20 7942 2002, or email disability@vam.ac.uk.
Assistance dogs are welcome.
Guiding service
If you require a guide to assist you when visiting, please book in advance by contacting the bookings office on telephone +44 (0)20 7942 2211, text phone +44 (0)20 7942 2002, or email bookings.office@vam.ac.uk.
Assistance cannot be guaranteed to visitors who do not book in advance.
Talks programme
There are regular talks for visually impaired people, some of which provide an opportunity for handling objects. View the events page for a full programme of specialist events or visit What's On.
Large print and tactile books
Large print label books are available in all galleries.
Tactile books are available in:
- RIBA Architecture Gallery
- Jameel Gallery of Islamic Art
- Medieval and Renaissance Gallery
- Photography Gallery
- Stained Glass
Screen reader
JAWS and MAGIC software is available on computer terminals in:
- Prints and Drawings Study Room
Magnification Systems (CCTV)
This is available in:
- National Art Library
- Prints and Drawings Study Room
Furniture Gallery audio descriptions
These audio descriptions are available for blind and partially sighted visitors to listen to online or download in advance of visiting the Furniture Gallery, Rooms 133-5.
Further audio descriptions of the displays and interviews with curators and makers are available on the Furniture Designers pages.
Furniture Gallery overview
Themes of the Furniture Gallery
Layout of the Furniture Gallery
Touch objects
Carving display touch object: carved panel
Carving display touch objects: drawer front, framing piece and bedpost
Turning display touch object: turned spindle
Casting and Moulding display touch objects: moulds of ornamentation for furniture with casts
Touch Tour
The audio descriptions below describe a range of touch objects from different times and cultures. To locate the objects, please refer to the room numbers on the museum map available from the information desks.
Head of a bodhisattva, China Gallery, Room 44
Ming porcelain vase, China Gallery, Room 44
Dragon vase, Korean Gallery, Room 47G
A chimney piece from Sir Paul Pindar’s home, Daylit Gallery, Room 64B
Chinese Celadon dish, Ceramics Gallery, Room 145
Glass balustrade, Glass Gallery, Room 131
Metalwork bench, Ironwork Gallery, Room 114E
Marble owl, Sculpture Gallery, Room 111
A Minton tiled column, Silver Gallery, Room 65
Become a V&A Member
V&A Members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including free entry to exhibitions, previews, exciting events and the V&A Members’ Room. In addition, you will be supporting the vital work of the V&A.
Buy or Renew Membership OnlineShop online
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