Textiles: Ancient to Modern

Year course

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Become familiar with textiles in all their glory by examining techniques and designs from around the world and exploring how they have been used in Europe to produce an infinite variety of fabrics and patterns.  See the 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.

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Portrait of Year Course Director Jennifer Wearden

Year Course Director
Jennifer Wearden

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.

I am enjoying every minute of the course - it gets more inspiring every week. A course that combines Textiles and History is the dream ticket for me. If someone is considering enrolling next time then they are in for a treat! Rosemary Tisdall, 2015/16 Year Course Student
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Delve deeper into the subjects you love

Enjoy thought-provoking lectures and access to the V&A collections in a group who share your passion. Year course students are eligible for NUS student cards. Refreshments are served on arrival each day.

Course overview

Autumn Term

12 weeks, 22 September – 8 December 2016

The World up to 1600

The 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.

Spring Term

10 weeks, 21 January – 30 March 2017

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.

Summer Term

12 weeks, 27 April – 13 July 2017

The Age of Mastery: 1750–the present

The final term goes back to the middle of the 18th century, begins with the Industrial Revolution and the massproduction of textiles and then considers how several influential designers reacted against it, leading to the Arts and Crafts Movement and Art Nouveau.

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Year course: Textiles: Ancient to Modern

22 September 2016 - 13 July 2017

£73.00 - £1,950.00

Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000

Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:

+44 (0)20 7942 2000

Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)