20th-Century Design Styles

During the 20th century, art and design was inescapably influenced by politics. Modernism and Art Deco were a reaction to the horrors of the First World War. Later, artists responded to the end of World War II and the fear and suspicion brought on by the Cold War tensions between East and West.

20th-Century Fashion

Throughout the 20th century cross-cultural and historical influences had a profound impact upon fashion design. The styles, designs and materials of other times and cultures became more accessible to designers as improved travel and communications enabled continents to be crossed with ease.

20th-Century Photography

This is the hub for 20th-Century Photography

Modern Theatre

Explore the history of modern theatre. Including the 'new drama' of the early 20th century, the patriotic wartime entertainment of the 1940s, the foundation of institutions such as the Arts Council and the National Theatre, and the controversial 'in yer face' movement that sprung up in the 1990s.

Diaghilev & the Ballets Russes

Sergei Diaghilev (1872 - 1929), was a Russian ballet impresario and founder of the revolutionary Ballets Russes dance company. The work of the Ballet Russes influenced 20th-century art, theatre, fashion and interior design. In 2010, the V&A hosted the major exhibition ‘Diaghilev and the Golden Age of the Ballet Russes, 1909 - 1929’.

20th-Century Dance

From the early 20th century dancers, especially in Germany and America, experimented with freer, more personal ways of moving. They rejected the rigidity of classical ballet. This style of movement is often referred to as ‘modern dance’, a term which encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques.

20th-Century Circus

History of circus in Britain in the 20th century, early 20th-century spectacle and international circus, the impact of television on circus and the rise of alternative circus.

20th-Century Galleries