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Chinese Ceramics
Short course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Spend time with our incredible collections, alongside expert tutors and your fellow learners.
Tickets available from 10.00 on Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Join us at V&A South Kensington on this week-long in-person course for an in-depth study of Chinese ceramics through a combination of lectures, object handling sessions and gallery visits. The V&A collection of Chinese ceramics is globally recognised for its scale and scope. Dating from the neolithic to the present, the history of ceramics can be mapped across the vast territories of China and beyond, charting the development of body and glaze and the evolution of porcelain as a global commodity. Chinese ceramics were enjoyed at home and abroad, as articles of use, ritual items and collectible artefacts. Colour, decoration and form reflect a diverse range of cultural and artistic influences, highlighting domestic fashion and taste as well as the influx of artistic motifs and aesthetics – through travel, trade and diplomacy – which stimulated and enriched the ceramic traditions of China.
For more details, see V&A Academy questions.
Suitable for participants aged 18 or over.
For more details, see V&A Academy questions.
Suitable for participants aged 18 or over.
V&A Academy Course Director
Dr Helen Glaister
Dr Helen Glaister is an art historian specialising in Chinese Ceramics and Decorative Arts. She worked at the British Museum and Birkbeck before joining the V&A as Course Director. Helen was awarded her MA and PhD from SOAS, University of London. Current research focuses on collections history, Chinese lacquer and ceramics of the late modern period
a massive thank you - this was fabulous learning Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
Course overview
The V&A collection of Chinese ceramics is globally recognised for its scale and scope. This weeklong in-person course offers an in-depth study of Chinese ceramics through a combination of lectures, object handling sessions and gallery visits.
Membership Priority Booking will open at 10.00 GMT on 4 February 2026. General Booking will open at 10.00 GMT on Thursday 12 February 2026.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Spend time with our incredible collections, alongside expert tutors and your fellow learners.
Enrol now
Short course: Chinese Ceramics
15 June 2026 - 19 June 2026
£400.00
Tickets not available yet
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)
Header image: Flask, porcelain painted in underglaze blue, Jingdezhen, China, 14th century © Victoria and Albert Museum, London