Neoclassicism

Neoclassicism was a design style that emerged in Britain and France in the 1750s. It drew inspiration from the 'classical' art and culture of Ancient Greece and Rome – in particular, the archaeological discoveries at Herculaneum and Pompeii in Italy. It's popularity quickly spread as young European aristocrats returned home from the Grand Tour – a traditional and educational rite of passage – to their home countries with newly rediscovered Greco-Roman ideals.

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Features

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Robert Adam: Neoclassical architect and designer

One of the most important British architects working in the Neoclassical style

  1. Read

    James 'Athenian' Stuart

    Meet the pioneer of Neoclassicism

Collection highlights

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  1. perfume burner
    Perfume burner, designed by James 'Athenian' Stuart, made by Anderson Diederich Nicolaus, about 1760, London, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  2. ceiling
    Adelphi ceiling, designed by Robert Adam, made by David Adamson, about 1771, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  3. relief and tablet
    Relief and tablet, sculpted by Thomas Banks, 1777 – 78, Britain
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  4. vase
    Copy of the Portland Vase, by William Hackwood and Henry Webber, manufactured by Josiah Wedgwood's factory, about 1790, Staffordshire, England
    On loan
  5. armchair
    Armchair, designed by Robert Adam, made by Thomas Chippendale Sr, 1764 – 65, London, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  6. hot water jug
    Hot water jug, 1785 – 90, Sheffield, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  7. vase and cover
    Vase and cover, by Thomas Soare, manufactured by Derby Porcelain factory, about 1783 – 84, Derby, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  8. teapot
    Teapot, made by Andrew Fogelberg, engraved by James Tassie, 1778 – 79, London, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  9. design
    Design for a monument, designed by James 'Athenian' Stuart, by Thomas Scheemakers, 18th century, England
    V&A South Kensington
    View by appointment
  10. cup and cover
    Cup and cover, made by Josiah Wedgwood and Sons, about 1785, Staffordshire, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  11. door handle
    Door handle, designed by Sir William Chambers, 1776 – 80, London
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  12. table
    Table, designed by Sir William Chambers, made by Georg Haupt, 1769, London, England
    V&A South Kensington
    On display
  13. Design for a drawing room
    Design for a drawing room, by James Wyatt, about 1770 – 75, England
    V&A South Kensington
    View by appointment
  14. armchair
    Armchair, made by Seddon & Sons, about 1790, London, England
    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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Header image:
Adelphi ceiling, designed by Robert Adam, about 1771, London. Museum no. W.43:1 to 5-1936. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London