Membership
Join today and enjoy unlimited free entry to all V&A exhibitions, Members-only previews and more
Become a Member
Year course
Textiles: Ancient to Modern
Thursday 27 September 2018 - Thursday 11 July 2019
Become familiar with textiles in all their glory by examining techniques and designs from around the world and discover how they have been used in Europe to produce an infinite variety of fabrics and patterns. Over three terms, you will explore different ways in which textiles can be studied and learn about the many skills required to create the sumptuous textiles in the V&A, from enormous tapestries to gossamer-like webs of lace, from glittering embroidery to muted tweeds.
Read more
Jennifer Wearden Course Director
Jennifer Wearden was Senior Curator of Textiles in the V&A's Department of Furniture, Textiles & Fashion until 2005 and is now an Honorary Research Fellow. With experience of the textile industry in Lancanshire, and 28 years working with the textiles collections in the V&A, she now uses her knowledge to devise and deliver successful courses.
This course opens up knowledge and understanding of textiles beyond anything I’d ever realised. 2017/18 Course Student
Further information
• Refreshments served • Price reductions available for Seniors (60+), jobseekers (ES40 holders) and registered disabled people • No Certificate Option • To join Term 2 only, please call 020 7942 2000 to check availability
Course Overview
Term 1
12 weeks, 27 September – 13 December 2018
The World up to 1600
This first term begins with an introduction to fibres, structures and dyes and, with this foundation in place, it explores what is known about archaeological textiles from Central Asia and around the Eastern Mediterranean.
Term 2
13 weeks, 10 January – 4 April 2019
The Age of Exploitation: 1500–1800
This term covers three centuries during which European knowledge of the world expanded and empires rose and prospered. The major themes of this term are exploration and exploitation, with growing awareness of new natural resources, new techniques and new designs.
Term 3
11 weeks, 2 May – 11 July 2019
The Age of Mastery: 1750–the present
The final term goes back to the middle of the 18th century, beginning with the Industrial Revolution and the mass production of textiles and then considering how several influential designers reacted against it, leading to the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.
Enrol Now
Year course: Textiles: Ancient to Modern
27 September 2018 - 11 July 2019
£640.00 - £1,992.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Term 2: The Age of Exploitation: 1500–1800
10 January – 4 April 2019
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 9.30 - 17.30, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)