Refurbishment of the ceramics galleries phase 1, 2009

The galleries

The refurbishment of the V&A's ceramics galleries created the most important national and international centre for the enjoyment, understanding and study of ceramics and a collection that is unrivalled anywhere in the world.

Opened in September 2009 by HRH The Princess Royal, phase 1 of the new galleries includes a major new introductory gallery, presenting a 'world history' of ceramics, highlighting connections between ceramics of different cultures and periods. Another major gallery is devoted to ceramic materials and techniques, and there are smaller rooms for temporary exhibitions, changing displays of international contemporary ceramics, and the study collections of 20th century pottery and architectural ceramics.

Phase 1 of the ceramics galleries was funded by a lead donation from the Headley Trust and the Rt Hon Sir Timothy Sainsbury, together with very generous support from the American Friends of the V&A through the generosity of Lydia and Manfred Gorvy, DCMS/Wolfson Museum and Galleries Improvement Fund and other private donors.

Designer

Ceramics phase 1 was designed by Stanton Williams. Working with a team of specialist consultants, educators, conservators and curators, Stanton Williams have created a series of elegant, unified and accessible galleries which include a working studio and demonstration area.  Stanton Williams have previously designed a major exhibition at the V&A, Leonardo da Vinci: Experience, Experiment and Design.