Living Pictures: Victorians on Film (In Person)

Join us 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 at V&A South Kensington and BFI Southbank for a study experience developed in collaboration with the BFI 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 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. Saturday 7th November will see in-person attendees exploring Southbank as part of a walking tour centred on the history of filmmaking.  Finally, the study experience concludes on Monday 9th November at BFI Southbank 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 Reuben Library.

 All learners will enjoy access to a Microsoft Teams online environment which will include pre-recorded expert led object sessions, footage analysis from the BFI archive 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. 

In person tickets include:
> South Kensington day- 6th November 2026- 10.30-16.00

> Walking tour- 7th November 2026- 11.15-14.45

> BFI Southbank day- 9th November 2026- 10.30-16.00

 

Online tickets include:

>South Kensington day online livestream- 6th November 2026- 10.30-16.00
If you wish to attend online, click here.

 

Suitable for participants aged 18 years and over.