Room 48a: The Raphael Cartoons

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This room houses the surviving designs painted by Raphael, one of the greatest of all Italian Renaissance artists, for tapestries commissioned in Rome in 1515 by Pope Leo X . These were to hang in the Sistine chapel on the walls beneath the ceiling by his contemporary Michelangelo. Although originally only designs (known as "cartoons") to guide the weavers, they are now among the greatest artistic treasures in Britain. Owned by the British Royal Family since 1623, they have been on loan to the Museum since 1865.

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Room 48a is on Level 1 of the V&A South Kensington.

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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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Raphael Postcard Book

Raphael Postcard Book

Pack of 14 postcards featuring highlights from the V&A's display 'Raphael: Cartoons and Tapestries for the Sistine Chapel'.

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Event - Norfolk House Music Room Concert

Fri 01 October 2010–Fri 13 July 2012

PERFORMANCE: Free concerts by musicians from the Royal College of Music are performed on selected Friday evenings in the beautiful setting of the Norfolk House Music Room, from 18.30 – 19.30.

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