Portrait miniatures: India

In 1785 the miniaturists John Smart, Ozias Humphry and Diana Hill independently made the six-month voyage by boat to India. To set up a business in either Madras or Calcutta they needed the permission of the East India Company, the trading company that effectively ran these areas at this date.

Although some of their sitters were local dignitaries, most were British. They included employees of the Company and their families. With miniaturists based in India, the exchange of portraits between Britain and India became cheap and easy. They could be posted or carried home by a friend or relative.

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British Design 1948–2012: Innovation in the Modern Age

31 March–12 August 2012

Showcasing over 300 British design objects, this exhibition celebrates the best of British post-war art and design from the 1948 ‘Austerity Games' to the summer of 2012.

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The Portrait Miniature in England

The Portrait Miniature in England

A fascinating account of the development of English miniature painting featuring masterpieces from the V&A's collection.

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Event - Create! Portrait Photography

Sat 14 January 2012–Sat 10 March 2012

YOUNG PEOPLE’S EVENT: Develop your digital photography skills, with a professional portrait photographer. Find out how to set up lighting for shoots. Discover how to take photos to capture the character of a person.

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