A glimpse behind-the-scenes shows the diversity of the conservators' role in the Museum and demonstrates some of the immense range of activities undertaken by the Conservation department.
Conservation of a 'living doll'
Iki ningyo (literally 'living dolls') are Japanese life-size figures that were made to look like as realistic as possible.
Read article
Conservation CS: A medieval tabernacle from Cologne
This object, made around 1180, has been a highlight of the V&A's medieval collection since its acquisition in 1861. A recent conservation and research project in preparatio…
Read article
Conservation CS: The Virgin and Child with Angels by Peregrinus
This painted panel dated 1428 was once part of a larger altarpiece commissioned by a wealthy merchant in the Central Italian city of Perugia. The altarpiece was originally …
Read article
Conservation CS: The façade of Sir Paul Pindar’s house
The façade of Sir Paul Pindar's house is one of the largest objects in the Museum, and an extremely rare survival of a London timber-framed house built before the Great Fir…
Read article
A Choir Book from Florence
The choir book was made around 1380 in Tuscany, probably Florence. It was made for a house of the Camaldolese order, probably for nuns rather than monks
Read article
Across a conservator's bench
Many museum objects have been altered or changed in some way prior to their accession into collections. As a conservator, one of the aspects of my work is to document and r…
Read article
Conservation of objects for the 'Arts of Thailand' display
This article highlights a selection of the conservation treatments implemented and examples of the rich decorations and techniques that can be found on these fascinating ar…
Read article
Cleaning Theseus and the Minotaur
This historically and artistically important marble sculpture, Theseus and the Minotaur, completed in 1782 by the Italian sculptor Antonio Canova, presented cleaning proble…
Read articleThe War of Troy tapestry
The War of Troy tapestry is part of one of the most important sets of tapestry still surviving from the latter part of the 15th century.
Read article
Become a V&A Member
V&A Members enjoy a wealth of benefits, including free entry to exhibitions, previews, exciting events and the V&A Members’ Room. In addition, you will be supporting the vital work of the V&A.
Buy or Renew Membership OnlineShop online
Prints Now: Directions and Definitions
Printmaking has changed radically in the past two decades: the fine art print now encompasses everything from billboards and badges to clothes, cakes …
Buy nowEvent - Art and the City
Thu 26 September 2013 11:00
10 WEEK SHORT COURSE: Many celebrated artists have been closely associated with major European and American cities such as Paris, Rome, London, Berlin, and New York. They have lived and worked in these cities and many of them have made the city itself a special subject of their work.
Book online
