Sculpture techniques: stone carving
For centuries sculptors have used stone for figurative carvings and ornamental architectural work. Different types …
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Nasrid plasterwork: symbolism, materials & techniques
As part of the display for the new Architecture Gallery, to represent the art in architecture within the Span…
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Sculpture techniques: wood carving
Regional availability played a large part in determining which wood was chosen for a sculpture, though the properti…
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The Ascension Relief by Donatello, 1428-30
Donatello is regarded as one of the greatest sculptors of the 1400s and this marble panel is one of the finest surv…
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Sculpture techniques: ivory carving
Ivory is the dense, hard, creamy white substance that forms the tusks of mammals, though the term is also used for …
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50 Years of Following In Grinling Gibbons' Tool Cuts
In 1951 the word 'conservation' was never used at work. We were simply 'repairing' the damage caused by the bombs d…
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Sculpture techniques: carving in semi-precious stone & shell
Specialist craftsmen used a wide variety of materials for carvings. These ranged from gemstones and hardstones like…
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Chinese ivory & bamboo carving reading list
Recommended reading about Chinese Ivory & Bamboo Carvings
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Sculpture techniques: virtuoso carving
Throughout the ages artists and craftsmen have made virtuoso carvings as a display of their skill and ingenuity.…
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Tiles from the tomb of Buyanquli Khan
A great number of tiles from the tomb of Buyanquli Khan are now to be found in collections throughout the world. Th…
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Sikh objects from the V&A Collections
The V&A was founded in 1852 as the South Kensington Museum and later absorbed the collections of the Indian Museum,…
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Kimono: dyeing techniques
Most of the dyes used to colour Japanese textiles, and many of the techniques used to apply them, have a history that dates back to the 8th century. However, it was not until the Edo period that the sophisticated dyed designs for which Japan is famous fully developed.
Drawing techniques: counter-proofing, pouncing and the grid
Artists have employed a wide range of techniques for transferring images from one surface to another.
Study Room resource: Printmaking techniques
This Study Room Resource contains examples of the printmaking techniques which are most likely to occur in schools such as relief, stencil and intaglio prints. Also includes teachers notes and a reading list.
X-radiography of paintings
Technical examination of paintings can provide information about materials and techniques used by artists. X-radiography is one technique which can reveal useful information.
Oil painting - materials & techniques: underdrawing
It is common for artists to draw their design, sometimes in considerable detail, directly onto the primed canvas or panel. Comparison of underdrawings with the finished image can provide insights into the artist’s ideas.
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
Medieval Ivory Carvings: Early Christian to Romanesque
An authoritative and accessible survey of the V&A's extensive collection
Buy nowEvent - Touch Tour: Carving, Casting & Cuir Bouilli
Tue 17 July 2012 11:00
For blind & patially sighted visitors: This talk and touch tour will focus on examples in the Medieval and Renaissance Galleries.
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