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.

Christ Church and the Silk Weavers of Spitalfields

Mon 15 April 2013 14:30

The magnificent Grade I listed building of Christ Church Spitalfields was built between 1714 and 1729 to a design by Nicholas Hawksmoor.

Vicky Gill: Strictly Sequins

Mon 15 April 2013 18:30

Strictly Come Dancing has been gracing our television screens for the past eight years and it isn’t just the dancing that keeps us hooked, each week the dazzling dresses and creative costumes astound.

Royal Court Theatre

Tue 16 April 2013 11:00

The Royal Court Theatre is Britain’s leading national company dedicated to new work by innovative writers from the UK and around the world.

Royal Court Theatre

Tue 16 April 2013 14:00

The Royal Court Theatre is Britain’s leading national company dedicated to new work by innovative writers from the UK and around the world.

Royal Court Theatre

Wed 17 April 2013 11:00

The Royal Court Theatre is Britain’s leading national company dedicated to new work by innovative writers from the UK and around the world.

Royal Court Theatre

Wed 17 April 2013 14:00

The Royal Court Theatre is Britain’s leading national company dedicated to new work by innovative writers from the UK and around the world.

South Side House

Thu 18 April 2013 14:00

Southside House provides an enchanting backdrop to the generations of the Pennington Mellor Munthe families.

Exploring 1960s Musicland: David Bowie's Soho

Fri 19 April 2013 14:00

In 1963, aged sixteen, David Jones (Bowie to be) left school in Bromley and began commuting to the West End to work in an advertising agency.

High Art and Low Life Meet the Stage: Walter Sickert's Camden and the Bedford Music Hall

Mon 22 April 2013 14:00

Edwardian Camden Town was a complex mixture of industry, retailing and entertainment, where wealth and squalor co-existed a few streets apart.

Treasures of the V&A Museum of Childhood

Tue 23 April 2013 14:30

This tour features the top ten objects in the museum’s collection, selected by the curatorial team.

Grays Antique Markets

Wed 24 April 2013 14:00

Grays is one of London’s leading antique centres and home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of fine antiques, jewellery and vintage fashion.

Exploring 1960s Musicland: David Bowie's Soho

Sat 27 April 2013 11:00

In 1963, aged sixteen, David Jones (Bowie to be) left school in Bromley and began commuting to the West End to work in an advertising agency.

High Art and Low Life Meet the Stage: Walter Sickert's Camden and the Bedford Music Hall

Sat 27 April 2013 14:00

Edwardian Camden Town was a complex mixture of industry, retailing and entertainment, where wealth and squalor co-existed a few streets apart.

Valentines Mansion and Park

Mon 29 April 2013 14:00

Valentines Mansion is a Grade II listed building set in the beautiful surroundings of Valentines Park.

Craig Lawrence: Innovations in Knitwear

Mon 29 April 2013 18:30

Known for his innovative designs in the field of knitwear and use of materials such as Scooby wrappers and gold foil, Craig’s creations have been worn by Lady Gaga, Tilda Swinton, Björk and Florence Welch.

The Clockmakers' Museum

Tue 30 April 2013 11:00

Established in 1814, the Clockmakers’ collection of clocks and watches is the oldest in the world.

The Clockmakers' Museum

Tue 30 April 2013 14:00

Established in 1814, the Clockmakers’ collection of clocks and watches is the oldest in the world.

Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour

Wed 01 May 2013 14:00

Located in spectacular glass domes, the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour, is the largest of its kind in Europe.

Medieval Churches in the City

Thu 02 May 2013 10:30

Guide Julian Litten will highlight the wonders of a handful of surviving medieval churches hidden among the modern tower buildings of the City of London.

Drapers' Hall

Fri 03 May 2013 10:30

Situated in the heart of the City of London, Drapers’ Hall is one of the City’s grandest livery halls.

Kevin O'Hare: Director of The Royal Ballet

Fri 03 May 2013 18:30

Kevin O’Hare was appointed Director of The Royal Ballet in July 2012.

Institut français

Mon 06 May 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.

Fulham Palace

Tue 07 May 2013 14:00

First acquired around 700 AD, Fulham Palace was for centuries a residence of the bishops of London.

Grays Antique Markets

Wed 08 May 2013 14:00

Grays is one of London’s leading antique centres and home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse collections of fine antiques, jewellery and vintage fashion.

Courtauld Prints and Drawings Room

Thu 09 May 2013 10:30

Spanning the Renaissance through to the early twentieth century, the Courtauld’s collection of prints and drawings is extensive.

Marble Hill House

Thu 09 May 2013 14:00

Built for Henrietta Howard, Marble Hill House was intended as an artisan retreat from busy London life.

Lord's Cricket Ground

Mon 13 May 2013 12:15

Widely referred to as the “home of cricket”, Lord’s houses the world’s oldest sporting museum.

Dylan Jones: When Ziggy Played Guitar

Fri 17 May 2013 18:30

When David Bowie appeared on Top Of The Pops in July 1972, performing Starman, he set in motion a chain of events that would change British culture forever.

Artist Demonstration: Georgia Scott

Sat 18 May 2013 11:30

Georgia Scott makes stunning sculptural lighting tailored to architectural spaces on all scales.

Toshiba Japan Ceramics Residency: Keiko Masumoto

Sat 18 May 2013 13:00

OPEN STUDIO: Visit the Ceramics Residency Studio to watch Keiko Masumoto at work and find out more about her highly skilled making processes and Japanese ceramic trends.

Fit for a King: Power, Glory and Fashion at the Tudor Court

Sat 18 May 2013 14:00

Henry VIII wasn’t all cruelty and obesity. His court – and that of his daughter Elizabeth – glittered with all the riches of the age.

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 prolific 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

Visit the Residency Studios to experience Julia Lohmann’s innovative new seaweed-based material and see how it is used in a broad range of designs from furniture to fashion accessories.

Norfolk House Music Room Concert

Wed 22 May 2013 15:00

Join musicians from the Royal College of Music as they perform classical works in the V&A’s elegant Norfolk House Music Room.

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.