Asian Department
The collections of the Asian Department cover a period of more than 5000 years, from 3,500 BC to the present day, a…
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Conservation department
The Conservation Department is responsible for the preservation, conservation, investigation and display of the Vic…
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Contemporary department
Established in 1999, the department works to strengthen links between current creative practice and the V&A’s progr…
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Development department
The Development department raises money for the V&A. The department runs the Membership programme on behalf of the …
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Furniture, textiles & fashion department
The Furniture collection consists of more than 14,000 pieces from Britain, Europe and America, dating from the Midd…
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Learning Department
The Learning Department is responsible for developing and delivering learning programmes and gallery interpretation…
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Photographic studio
The Photographic Studio in the V&A has a long history, as long as the museum itself going back to 1856, it is a ser…
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Public Affairs
Public Affairs is responsible for the V&A brand and for museum's relationship with all visitors and includes respon…
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Research department
Research is a core activity of the Victoria and Albert Museum helping to develop the public understanding of the ar…
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Security & visitor services department
The Security & Visitor Services Department aim to make your visit to the V&A enjoyable and inspirational. We seek t…
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Technical Services Department
Technical Services Department install, pack, move and mount the objects, artworks and exhibitions that the public c…
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Word & Image department
The Word & Image department (WID) is responsible for the Museum’s collections of prints, drawings, paintings, photo…
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Obituary of Ray Smith
Ray Smith (–1996) began his career at the Victoria & Albert Museum as a Boy Attendant and ended it as Senior Research Assistant (Administration) in the Department of Prints, Drawing and Paintings. In the interim he worked in the Circulation Department, organizing the preparation of countless travelling exhibitions, and in the Textiles Department, where his love for and care of the objects was an inspiration to his staff.
Recording the changes: V&A conservation departmental archive
The Conservation Department has come a long way since 1960 when Norman Brommelle transformed a disparate group of craftsman, cum restorers, cum technicians into the Museum's first official conservation department.
Obituary of William Walter Watts
William Walter Watts (1862–1948) was an authority on English silver. In 1879 he joined the Museum of Science and Art (originally part of the Victoria & Albert Museum) in the Circulation Department. In 1890 he was promoted to Assistant Keeper and in 1897 he became Keeper, until the separation of the Science Museum in 1908. In 1902 he also became Keeper of the Department of Metalwork and during his tenure he greatly increased the Museum’s collection of English silver.
Obituary of Donald King
Donald King (1920–88) was a distinguished medievalist who joined the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1949 as an Assistant Keeper in the Department of Textiles. He became Deputy Keeper and then, in 1972, Keeper.
Obituary of Peter Floud, CBE
Peter Floud, CBE (1911–60) joined the Victoria & Albert Museum in 1935 as an Assistant Keeper in the Department of Circulation. In 1947 he became Keeper of the department, transforming its character and bringing it in closer touch with the needs of the post-war world. In 1954 he gained a CBE in recognition for this work.
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.
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Imperial Chinese Robes from the Forbidden City
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