Membership Events

V&A Membership Events are exclusively open to V&A Members and offer a wide range of special events, from evening and daytime talks by high profile speakers and academics, to gallery tours, external visits and coach trips. Details of the existing and future programmes can be found below, as can information about how to become a member.

Mastering the Art of Chocolate

Sun 19 May 2013 14:00

Founder of the awarding-winning business and school Rococo Chocolates, Chantal Coady has been a pioneer of chocolate for more than 30 years.

Highlights of the National Art Library

Mon 20 May 2013 10:30

Members will be given a private behind-the-scenes tour of the National Art Library.

Artist Demonstration: Laura Long

Mon 20 May 2013 14:00

Laura Long creates lovely hand knitted creatures and characters.

Highlights of the National Art Library

Mon 20 May 2013 14:30

Members will be given a private behind-the-scenes tour of the National Art Library.

Stephen Jones: Model Millinery

Mon 20 May 2013 18:30

As one of the most respected milliners of the twenty-first century, Stephen Jones has designed hats for some of the world’s most influential fashion houses.

Glass Galleries Tour

Tue 21 May 2013 11:00

Reino Liefkes, Senior Curator of the Ceramics & Glass Collection, will lead a tour of the Glass Gallery, illustrating the development of glass from a rare and precious material to a commodity available to all, and from an ideal material for utilitarian objects to an exciting medium for contemporary artists.

AN Wilson: The Potter's Hand

Tue 21 May 2013 14:00

Following on from the BBC2 documentary programme, author A.N. Wilson will discuss his novel based on Josiah Wedgwood, The Potter’s Hand, within which he evokes the world of the great eighteenth-century ceramicist, scientist and industrialist.

Artist Demonstration: Judy Bentinck

Tue 21 May 2013 14:00

Judy Bentinck uses traditional millinery techniques to create beautifully delicate hats and headpieces.

Close Observation Sessions

Tue 21 May 2013–Thu 23 May 2013

Join V&A Assistant Curators Kristian Volsing and Elizabeth Bisley from the Furniture, Textiles and Fashion Department as they display objects from the collection.

Highlights at Blythe House

Wed 22 May 2013–Fri 24 May 2013

The V&A’s Beverley Hart will show a range of highlights found in the Museum’s collection held in its main storage space at Blythe House.

Artist Demonstration: Tamara Gomez

Wed 22 May 2013 12:00

Tamara Gomez designs and hand crafts exquisite jewellery using precious metals, rough diamonds, gem stones and traditional goldsmithing techniques.

Product Design Residency: Julia Lohmann

Wed 22 May 2013 13:00

EVENT CANCELLED

Unfortunately this event has been cancelled. Alternatively please feel free to visit the Toshiba Japan Ceramics Resident Keiko Masumoto and find out more about her highly skilled making processes and Japanese ceramic trends in the Ceramics Residency Studio, 143A from 13.00 - 16.00. For further details please call 020 7942 2277.

Fashion Illustration: Portraits of Paris

Wed 22 May 2013 18:30

Internationally renowned fashion illustrator Jason Brooks has worked for household names from Vogue to Coca-Cola.

Paintings Gallery Tour

Thu 23 May 2013 11:00

The V&A’s collection of British and European oil paintings is less well known than its holdings of sculpture and the applied arts, however the Museum has acquired oil paintings since its foundation.

Artist Demonstration: Susan Horth

Thu 23 May 2013 11:00

Susan Horth uses mixed media materials to create gorgeous intricately beaded and stitched animals and jewellery.

V&A FuturePlan

Thu 23 May 2013 14:00

The V&A has undergone a radical transformation over the past decade.

Close Observation Sessions

Thu 23 May 2013 15:30

Join V&A Assistant Curators Sau Fong Chan, Frances Parton and Roisin Inglesby as they look at objects from the V&A collection.

Highlights at Blythe House

Fri 24 May 2013 11:00

The V&A’s Beverley Hart will show a range of highlights found in the Museum’s collection held in its main storage space at Blythe House.

Michael Lloyd: Twelve Vessels

Fri 24 May 2013 14:00

Join silversmith Michael Lloyd as he discusses his current display in the Silver Galleries entitled ‘Twelve Vessels’.

Jenny Packham: Luxury Design

Fri 24 May 2013 18:30

Celebrating 25 years of her eponymous label, Jenny Packham is recognised as one of the UK’s most successful independent fashion designers.

Parham House and St Mary's House, West Sussex

Mon 03 June 2013 09:00

Parham House is set in the beautiful South Downs countryside. With its magnificent Grand Hall at the core, the house is a wonderful backdrop for its collection of paintings, furniture and textiles.

Quinlan Terry: Classical Architecture Today

Mon 03 June 2013 18:30

Award-winning architect Quinlan Terry has championed classical architecture throughout his career.

Pitzhanger Manor, Ealing

Tue 04 June 2013 11:00

Pitzhanger Manor, set in the grounds of Walpole Park, is an elegant neoclassical villa designed by architect Sir John Soane.

Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed

Thu 06 June 2013 14:00

Marilyn Monroe: Private and Undisclosed reveals a different side to Marilyn Monroe from the celluloid invention.

Howard Goodall: The Story of Music

Mon 10 June 2013 18:30

Emmy, BRIT and BAFTA awardwinning composer Howard Goodall is responsible for writing some of the most iconic scores in British film and television – including The Vicar of Dibley, QI, Red Dwarf and Blackadder.

Walworth Walking Tour, South London

Tue 11 June 2013 14:00

Join Blue Badge guide Rachel Kolsky as she discovers a church designed by architect Sir John Soane, a vibrant street market, the birthplace of the “Little Tramp”, an Octavia Hill housing estate and the site of “Monkey Garden”.

Fashion and Textile Museum: Kaffe Fassett Exhibition

Wed 12 June 2013 10:00

Founded by British designer Zandra Rhodes, the museum explores cutting-edge contemporary fashion, textiles and jewellery.

Cosprop Costume Company

Thu 13 June 2013 14:00

Founded in 1965 by Oscar-winning designer John Bright, Cosprop is now one of the world’s leading costume houses.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show: A Centenary Celebration

Thu 13 June 2013 18:30

Celebrating 100 years of the renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show, historian and arguably the world expert on the festival, Brent Elliott, will look back over the years.

The History of the Savoy

Fri 14 June 2013 15:00

Built by impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte with the profits from his Gilbert and Sullivan operas, The Savoy opened in 1889 and was Britain’s first luxury hotel.

Institut français

Mon 17 June 2013 14:00

This exclusive visit to the Institut français’ Grade II listed Art Deco building will take in the Versailles floors of the listed library, the renovated Ciné Lumière, and conclude with a presentation on their plans for future architectural projects.

Dominic Dromgoole: Shakespeare's Globe

Mon 17 June 2013 18:30

Theatre director and writer Dominic Dromgoole joined Shakespeare’s Globe as Artistic Director in 2005.

Strawberry Hill House

Tue 18 June 2013 10:30

Since reopening in late 2010, Strawberry Hill has established itself as a unique heritage site, offering visitors the chance to witness outstanding craftsmanship and authentic restoration work.

Andrew Logan's Studio

Tue 18 June 2013 14:00

As one of Britain’s leading sculptural artists, Andrew Logan has always worked with materials that he has to hand, creating inventive and eye-catching works.

Hampstead Garden Suburb

Wed 19 June 2013 14:00

Now an affluent London suburb, this is the legacy of an early twentiethcentury initiative of a mutual co-operation inspired by social reformer Henrietta Barnett.

Handmade in Britain

Thu 20 June 2013 14:00

V&A Curator Joanna Norman discusses the ongoing V&A/BBC4 television series Handmade in Britain.

Susan Rumfitt: Wearing 20th Century Jewellery

Mon 24 June 2013 18:30

Jewellery has been an essential fashion accessory throughout the twentieth century and has close links with designers including Chanel, Dior and Versace.

Christine Langan: Producing BBC Films

Thu 27 June 2013 18:30

With a wealth of critically acclaimed films to her name, Head of BBC Films Christine Langan is responsible for producing The Queen, Jane Eyre (2011) and My Week with Marilyn.

George Jackson Plasterers

Fri 28 June 2013 10:00

George Jackson is the UK’s foremost and most historical specialist plastering company.

Broughton Castle and Rousham Park

Mon 01 July 2013 09:00

The day will begin at the beautiful medieval manor house, Broughton Castle, which has been the home of the Fiennes family, Barons Saye and Sele, since 1451.

Walworth Walking Tour, South London

Tue 02 July 2013 14:00

Join Blue Badge guide Rachel Kolsky as she discovers a church designed by architect Sir John Soane, a vibrant street market, the birthplace of the “Little Tramp”, an Octavia Hill housing estate and the site of “Monkey Garden”.

Royal Courts of Justice

Wed 03 July 2013 14:00

The Royal Courts of Justice is one of the last great wonders of Gothic Revival architecture in England.

Classical Inspirations: The Timeless Legacy of Castellani Jewellery

Thu 04 July 2013 15:00

The rise of the Castellani, a nineteenth century Roman family of goldsmiths and jewellers, is one of the most fascinating stories in the long history of jewellery and the luxury arts.

George Jackson Plasterers

Fri 05 July 2013 10:00

George Jackson is the UK’s foremost and most historical specialist plastering company.

Haberdashers' Hall

Mon 08 July 2013 14:00

Designed by Michael Hopkins and Partners, the Haberdashers’ 4th Livery Hall was officially opened in October 2002 by the Queen.

Curator Talk: Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980s

Tue 09 July 2013 14:00

On the Members’ Preview Day of ‘Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980s’, Senior Curator Claire Wilcox will provide an insight into the exhibition.

Cosprop Costume Company

Wed 10 July 2013 14:00

Founded in 1965 by Oscar-winning designer John Bright, Cosprop is now one of the world’s leading costume houses.

Mallett Antiques

Wed 10 July 2013 18:00

Mallett is one of the oldest established antiques dealers in the world, specialising in the finest pieces of furniture and works of art, primarily from the eighteenth century and Regency periods.

Hampstead Garden Suburb

Thu 11 July 2013 14:00

Now an affluent London suburb, this is the legacy of an early twentiethcentury initiative of a mutual co-operation inspired by social reformer Henrietta Barnett.

Osterley House

Mon 15 July 2013 13:00

As one of the last remaining estates in London, Osterley House is a wonderful example of neoclassical architecture.

An evening on Terence Rattigan with Princess Galitzine

Mon 15 July 2013 18:30

The great 1950s Dior model, Jean Dawnay (Princess George Galitzine), will discuss being the friend, muse and hostess of Terence Rattigan with his biographer Geoffrey Wansell.

Chavenage House and Rodmarton Manor

Tue 16 July 2013 08:30

The day will start with a visit to the historic Elizabethan manor Chavenage House, where Members will be given a tour of the property followed by a two-course lunch.

Cosprop Costume Company

Wed 17 July 2013 14:00

Founded in 1965 by Oscar-winning designer John Bright, Cosprop is now one of the world’s leading costume houses.

Hilary Kay: William Morris, "A Tortured Genius"

Fri 19 July 2013 15:00

William Morris was the most important designer and art theorist in nineteenth-century Britain.

Gallery Talk: Portrait Busts of Men and Women of Letters and Literature

Tue 23 July 2013 14:00

This gallery talk, led by V&A Guide Elizabeth Hamilton, will discuss the lives of the sitters and the work of the artists, with a focus on such sculptors as Roubiliac, Canova, Rodin and Epstein.