Editorial

Welcome to the launch issue of the V&A's annual Online Research Journal. Designed to complement the longstanding V&A Conservation Journal, this new initiative offers a lively forum for the discussion and publication of research undertaken in connection with all aspects of the Museum's activities.

The contents are as diverse as the scope of the V&A's holdings and include in-depth articles on current research policy and practices, on the historical and archival work that underpins major Exhibition planning, and on the rich content of our archives. Focused object-in-context pieces present studies of particular collections and artefacts; and an interview with a maker explores the inspirational uses made of the Museum by artists and designers.  I hope you'll agree that they all provide informative insights into the work of our curators, educators and fellows.

The benefits of an on-line format mean that we can incorporate feedback on individual pieces and suggestions for further articles and sections in a proactive and open manner. Inclusion is not restricted to V&A staff, and provided that submissions meet the standards set by our Editorial team and peer reviewers we welcome articles for future issues on the history of art, architecture and design relating to the V&A 's collections, public programme or institutional history; features focusing on new acquisitions or objects linked to V&A exhibitions; reflections on the educational or creative industries role of the Museum and reviews and previews of V&A publications, conferences or displays. Further details on submission are available at www.vam.ac.uk/vandajournal and we can be contacted at vandajournal@vam.ac.uk

I would like to thank all who have contributed to the successful production of this issue, the authors of individual articles and the following staff:

Journal Production and Design

Jan Bourne and the Online Museum team
Lindsay Flood
Sophie Leighton
Angela McShane
Liz Miller
Roxanne Peters
Jane Scherbaum and the Design team
Lucy Trench
Oliver Winchester

Editorial Advisors

Glenn Adamson
Stephen Calloway
Beth McKillop
Angela McShane
Liz Miller
Gill Saunders
Michael Snodin
 

We hope you enjoy this first edition!
 

If you have any comments or feedback about the V&A online journal or any of the articles featured, please email the Journal editors at vandajournal@vam.ac.uk