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Living Pictures: Victorians on Film (Online)
Short course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Join us for this unique study experience, brought to you in collaboration between the V&A and BFI South Bank, as we explore how Queen Victoria’s reign is rightly celebrated for its remarkable advances in industry, transport, science, and culture. Yet one crucial innovation is too often missed: the moving pictures, the last great invention of the age.
This omission is striking, given that film changed the way we see the world forever. Even before the French Lumière brothers staged their first demonstrations in Paris in 1895, British filmmakers were already beginning to make their mark.
Join us for a study experience as we consider a range of fascinating materials from the late Victorian period. Specially selected objects from the V&A’s archive will be examined alongside screenings of the BFI’s stunning restored prints from its Victorian Collection. Through a unique encounter between film and objects, we will challenge assumptions about this moment in British history, the invention of film, and even Queen Victoria herself.
Choose whether to join the event either in person or online! On Friday 6th November, the study experience begins at V&A South Kensington, discovering the histories of objects in the V&A’s collection. On Saturday 7th November, in-person attendees will explore South Bank as part of a walking tour centred on the history of filmmaking. Finally, the study experience concludes on Monday 9th November at BFI South Bank, where in-person attendees will experience a curated screening and discussion of fascinating prints from the Victorian Collection, as well as a visit to the BFI Reuben Library.
All learners will enjoy access to a Microsoft Teams online environment, which will include pre-recorded expert-led object sessions, film analysis from the BFI and an exclusive preview of upcoming content! Access to the Teams environment will be available throughout the study experience and for two weeks after the event finishes.
> South Kensington day- 6th November 2026- 10.30-16.00
> Walking tour- 7th November 2026- 11.15-14.45
Online tickets include:
> South Kensington day online livestream- 6th November 2026- 10.30-16.00
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
Study Experience Leaders
Mike Berlin and Bryony Dixon
The 'deep dive' facilitated by expert lecturers made the learning experience effortless. Previous V&A Academy Course Attendee
Course overview
This study experience will explore the last great invention of the Victorian age- moving pictures. Through a unique encounter between film and objects, we will challenge assumptions about this moment in British history, the invention of film, and even Queen Victoria herself.
Topics include:
The pre-cinema world
The invention of film in Britain
Late Victorian life and imagination on film
By the end of this unique learning experience, you will have explored the exquisite, restored prints from the BFI’s Victorian collection. You will examine a range of objects from the V&A archives that give insight into the multi-media world of the late Victorian period, and the emergence of film.
V&A Academy. A learning environment you can trust.
Being up close with treasured objects from the V&A's collections brings your learning to life. Spend time with our incredible collections, as well as with our expert tutors and your fellow learners.
Enrol now
Short course: Living Pictures: Victorians on Film (Online)
6 November 2026
£55.00
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: Queen Victoria's last visit to Ireland 1900 Courtesy of MoMA Department of Film and Afternoon Tea at Marlborough House (1897) Courtesy of BFI National Archive