Drawings of Islamic buildings
The Alhambra is an ancient mosque, palace and fortress complex built by the Moorish monarchs of Granada, in souther…
Read article
A higher ambition: Owen Jones (1809–74)
Owen Jones was a versatile architect and designer, and one of the most influential design theorists of the 19th cen…
Read article
Dating Alhambra stuccoes
The analysis of pigments and materials found on these stucco panels from the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, gav…
Read article
Nasrid plasterwork: symbolism, materials & techniques
As part of the display for the new Architecture Gallery, to represent the art in architecture within the Span…
Read article
Islamic architecture of the Middle East videos
This series of short videos was created for visitors to the Islamic Middle East gallery (Room 42) at the V&A. The videos show some of the great historical buildings of the Islamic period. This is the architectural setting for which many of the objects on display in the gallery were made.
Gothic architecture
The style of architecture we now call Gothic first emerged in northern France in around 1140. It evolved during the construction of great churches in the Paris region, in a drive towards height, light and volume. Later it was also used for secular buildings such as castles, palaces, bridges, city walls and gates.
Orchestral score for 'Nadia' by Georges Jacobi
View high-resolution, zoomable facsimile of the composer Georges Jacobi's orchestral score for his ballet Nadia used when conducting the large house orchestra at the Alhambra which was acclaimed as the finest theatre orchestra in London.
The displays and products from overseas
'The building is exceedingly light but the brightness is tempered and subdued by canvass or calico covering on the outside of the roof, and all the south side of the structure ...'
'The Bingley Cups', by Philip Rollos, about 1714
These covered cups and salvers were presented to Baron Bingley by the Royal Jewel House for use in his role as Ambassador to the Court of Spain 1713-14.
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.
More detailsShop online
Queen Elizabeth in the gardens of Buckingham Palace (Custom print)
Queen Elizabeth in the gardens of Buckingham Palace, photo Cecil Beaton
Buy nowEvent - Designing Extravagance: decorating the Italian Renaissance Palace
Thu 07 June 2012 13:00
GALLERY TALK: During the Renaissance, Italians built some of the most extravagant buildings in Europe. Learn how these places were created and study the the V&A's collection of Engraved Ornament and master drawings.
More details
