Medieval

The Medieval collections tell the colourful story of early European art and culture from the decline of the Roman Empire to the dawn of the Renaissance (300 – about 1500). The collection is outstanding in its range and depth, bringing together treasures of sacred and secular art from around Europe.

Highlights of the collection include an early 12th-century ewer in the form of a griffin from Germany, and an equally rare surviving English iron helmet, or sallet, that may have seen action in the Wars of the Roses (1455 – 1485).

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Introducing the Medieval collection

Take a closer look at some of the incredible medieval objects you can encounter on your visit to the V&A

  1. Interact

    The War of Troy tapestry

    Explore one of the most magnificent examples of medieval tapestry in existence
  2. Read

    The Christmas story in opus anglicanum

    Christmas imagery appears throughout medieval art and particularly on richly-worked and intricate English medieval embroidered textiles, known as opus anglicanum
  3. Read

    Medieval mythologies

    Peering out from the stitched designs of English medieval embroideries are lifelike animals, alongside fantastical creatures drawn from mythology and the imagination.
  4. Read

    Introducing Opus Anglicanum

    Find out more about this stunning exhibition of English medieval embroidery – the first in over half a century
  5. Interact

    The Tree of Jesse Cope

    Explore the richly-worked imagery and intricate design of the Tree of Jesse Cope
  6. Read

    The Steeple Aston Cope

    Discover how the fabric of this English medieval embroidery has been altered, ensuring its survival over centuries
  7. Interact

    The Butler-Bowdon Cope

    Take a closer look at the elaborate iconography of the Butler-Bowdon Cope
  8. Interact

    The Syon Cope

    Explore the beautiful imagery of the Syon Cope, embroidered in coloured silk and silver threads
  9. Watch

    Turning the pages of an illuminated manuscript

    Watch as we open up a medieval choirbook
  10. Watch

    How was it made? Champlevé enamelling

    See how this medieval technique was carried out
  11. Watch

    The hidden power of gemstones: meanings, myths, and magic

    Revealing the hidden meanings and magical attributes of gemstones
  12. Watch

    500 years of witches in art and design

    Grab your broom and join us for a spellbinding journey through art and design history

Collection highlights

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  1. sallet
    Sallet, 1460 – 90, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  2. roundel
    October, roundel, about 1480, Norwich, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  3. candlestick
    The Gloucester Candlestick, 1107 – 1113, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  4. ewer
    Griffin Ewer, about 1120, Germany
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  5. diptych leaf
    The Symmachi Panel, diptych leaf, late 4th or early 5th century, Rome, Italy
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  6. altarpiece
    Altarpiece with 45 Scenes of the Apocalypse, made by Master Bertram, about 1400, Hamburg, Germany
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  7. oil painting
    Virgin and Child, oil painting, by Carlo Crivelli, about 1480, Italy
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  8. crucifix
    The Dead Christ (on the Cross), crucifix, about 1250, Tuscany, Italy
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  9. casket
    The Becket Casket, about 1180 – 1190, Limoges, France
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
islamic tile
person working with clay with their hands
two women sat on a long green chair looking away from camera
woman working with a pen in hand on a black mannequin head

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