Architectural history of the V&A 1836–1854
The origins of the Museum are as complex as the building itself. They date back ultimately to 1836, when a report by a House of Commons Select Committee concluded that the …
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Architectural history of the V&A 1856–1861
Prince Albert designed the 'iron house' himself and building began early in 1856. Measuring 81 metres long and 9 metres high, it was large enough to house three two-storey …
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Architectural history of the V&A 1862–1863
With the square of galleries northwards of the Boilers almost complete, Fowke decided the logical way to quickly create more display space was simply to roof over the quadr…
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Architectural history of the V&A 1863–1873
Francis Fowke was a consummate forward-planner. Even before the North and South Courts had been roofed in, he had worked out the details of an ambitious master plan for the…
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Architectural history of the V&A 1873–1899
In 1870 the Treasury announced that the erection and maintenance of all public buildings would now come under the direct control of the Office of Works. This decision stemm…
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Architectural history of the V&A 1899–1909
In May 1899, in what was to be her last public ceremony, Queen Victoria laid the foundation stone for Aston Webb's new scheme. The occasion also marked the changing of the …
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The Ceramics galleries: old and new
Five years ago, over concern for the security of the collection, the V&A's Ceramics galleries closed to the public. Purpose built in 1909 for the display of the Museum's ce…
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History of the Silver Galleries at the V&A
The galleries the Silver collection is now displayed in was the Victoria and Albert Museum’s original Ceramic galleries. These were restored in 1995-6.
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Colour Changes for the V&A Facade
In the mid 1980's the V& A started investigating how industrial cleaning processes might be adapted safely to clean the facade. It's carving and statues had become tota…
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History of the V&A and the Schools of Design study guide
Recommended resources for investigating the history of the V&A and its collections and the Schools of Design.
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London Buildings: An Architectural Tour
This exquisite book, a design object in its own right, contains 45 stylish depictions of London's best buildings, created by influential design duo Ro…
Buy nowEvent - Building Memories
Mon 10 June 2013 13:00
GALLERY TALK: Join Deborah Sutherland as she looks in more detail at the objects in Building Memories: the art of remembering.
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