18th-century opera
The 18th century saw an explosion of opera across Europe. Opera houses were built in all the major European cities …
Read article18th-century theatre
During the 18th century theatre flourished as a popular pastime and many theatres were enlarged and new playhouses …
Read articleIntroduction to 18th-century fashion
The fashionable silhouette for men and women in the 18th century.
Read articlePortrait miniatures: the 18th century
ARTISTS IN FOCUS A New Generation of Miniaturists In the early 18th century miniaturists had experimented with way…
Read articleDesigns for embroidered fashion: Lady Middleton's pattern
Most of these designs were bequeathed to the Museum as a group in 1973. Nothing is known of their origin and proven…
Read articleHorace Walpole & Strawberry Hill
Horace Walpole (1717–97) was the youngest son of Sir Robert Walpole, Britain's first Prime Minister. An influential…
Read articleSecular spaces and the Baroque
Theatre was important during the Baroque period not only for its magnificence and entertainment, but also for its potential use as propaganda. Rulers vied to outdo each other in the magnificence of their productions.
19th-century theatre reading list
19th Century Theatre Reading List
Mughal painting: 16th & 17th century reading list
Recommended reading about 16th & 17th Century Mughal Painting.
Fashioning kimono: dress in early 20th-century Japan
These boldly patterned and brilliantly coloured kimono reveal the dynamism of Japanese textile design in the early 20th century. This was a period of economic prosperity and cultural expansion. Although western-style clothes were gaining popularity among women, the kimono continued to be worn.
Introduction to early 20th-century theatre
The emergence of a new drama in the early 20th century had little initial impact on mainstream theatre, but new and dissenting voices slowly began to transfer onto the West End from the little theatres. The plays of George Bernard Shaw, Somerset Maugham, Terence Rattigan, Noël Coward and J B Priestley dominated the West End between the wars.
A gift in your will
You may not have thought of including a gift to a museum in your will, but the V&A is a charity and legacies form an important source of funding for our work. It is not just the great collectors and the wealthy who leave legacies to the V&A. Legacies of all sizes, large and small, make a real difference to what we can do and your support can help ensure that future generations enjoy the V&A as much as you have.
MoreShop online
Figured in Marble: The Making and Viewing of 18th-Century Sculpture
An authoritative account of 18th-century British sculpture, lavishly illustrated with works of art from the V&A and J. Paul Getty Museums, private collections and churches.
Buy nowEvent - Venetian Visions
Thu 29 March 2012 13:00

GALLERY TALK: Join this introduction to the V&A display 'Venetian Visions' which showcases etchings, drawings and paintings by the great 18th-century Venetian artists Canaletto, Tiepolo and Carlevarijs.
More details




















