Drawings

Approximately 100,000 drawings made in Europe and the USA can be seen in the V&A's collection. The work of many schools, styles and periods is represented. Many have been collected specifically with an eye to why they were made; the collection is therefore unusually rich in academic drawings, designs for illustration, and in particular preparatory drawings used in the production of paintings, sculpture, architecture and the applied arts.

Exhibition Road Drawing Resident: Liam O’Connor

Liam O’Connor was the Exhibition Road Drawing Resident, April 2014 – April 2015.

What is Drawing?

The term drawing is applied to works that vary greatly in technique. It has been understood in different ways at different times and is difficult to define.

Drawing Materials & Media

Supports, implements & media, and conventions & aids used in drawing.

Drawing Techniques

Explore a number of technical drawing techniques that have been employed by artists across the centuries.

Caring for Drawings

Both the support and the media used in drawing can be vulnerable. Different supports and different media are vulnerable in different ways and sometimes in ways that create tension between them.

Drawing in the Workshop and Academy

During the 14th century drawing classes took place mainly in the master’s workshop. However, as artists grew in status in-studio training was supplemented by gatherings where drawings and sculpture were provided as patterns to copy.

Art School Drawings from the 19th Century

Art education in 19th-century Britain was shaped by four London-based organisations: the Royal Academy Schools, the Government Schools of Design, the Department of Science and Art (based in this museum) and the Slade School of Art. Each was driven by powerful ideologies which dictated students' training.

Drawings for the sculpture of 'America'

These three drawings by John Bell (1812-1895) are designs for a sculpture representing America, made for one corner of the base of the Albert Memorial in Hyde Park, London, in 1864.

Design for a cartouche by Il Poccetti, 1607-12

Drawing by Poccetti - cartouche for the Medici family. This drawing in pen and ink and wash with charcoal on blue paper is by Bernardo Barbatelli, called 'Il Poccetti' (1548-1612).

Drawing Resident: Siân Bowen

Siân Bowen was Drawing Resident at the V&A, 2006–2008.

Room 90: Prints & Drawings

The Julie and Robert Breckman Gallery contains changing displays of prints and drawings. A recent display, ‘Off the Page’, showcased book illustration from famous and much loved books selected from the Museum's collection of original drawings and prints by artists from Durer to Dulac.

Room 88a: Watercolours & drawings

The V&A has acquired thousands of watercolours, drawings and illustrations since its foundation. A selection, rotated regularly, is displayed in this gallery.

Illustration

An illustration is a work of art that is created to explain or decorate a text. Images are created using techniques such as drawing, painting and photography. Common uses of illustration include novels, children’s books, botanical illustration and fashion design.

Architectural Design

In partnership with RIBA, the V&A holds a large collection of two- and three-dimensional architectural designs. These sketchbooks and models provide an insight into centuries of architectural innovation.

Private Group Tours & Talks

We offer a wide range of tours to meet your group requirements. Whether a group has a special area of interest, wishes to explore a particular gallery or just get an overview of the Museum's collection the Groups Team can help.

View our Private Group Tours & Talks