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Textiles: Materials, Techniques & History
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Learn how textiles have been made over the centuries and discover why different fabrics and techniques have gone in and out of fashion.
On this online textile art history course, you can learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with 20 hours of study over 10 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for up to 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
To browse our full range of courses click here!
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
On this online textile art history course, you can learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with 20 hours of study over 10 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for up to 10 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
To browse our full range of courses click here!
This course is suitable for participants aged 18 and over.
Course Leader
Dr Jennifer Wearden
The course leader, Jennifer Wearden, was a textile curator in the V&A for 28 years has authored/co-authored several V&A publications including Samplers, Ottoman Embroidery, World Dress in Detail, Oriental Carpets and Iranian Textiles. More recently she has been delivering courses on the history of textiles and dress for the V&A Academy.
This is the best ever course I have attended online at the V&A. Jennifer is a fantastic teacher, and so knowledgeable, friendly, humble, helpful, personable and just great to listen to. Previous V&A Academy Attendee
Course overview
Textiles are very fragile and even the most sturdy is vulnerable to wear and tear, to damage by insects, by dampness, even by the light we need to see them. They are often fabrics of great beauty but under normal circumstances they do not last. In the modern world textiles are seen as transient accessories to our life and are relatively inexpensive to replace, but throughout history textiles have been the most obvious expression of our personal values. Lustrous silk, crisp linen, soft wool and brightly coloured cotton clothe our bodies and decorate our homes. They are the most intimate form of all the decorative arts, but how well do we know them?
In this course you will discover where historical textiles have survived and will become familiar with the materials and techniques used to produce an infinite variety of fabrics and patterns, from enormous tapestries and carpets to gossamer-like webs of lace, from glittering embroidery to muted tweeds.
V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.
Our courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live or catch up on demand. Join discussions and continue your learning with downloadable handouts and presentations. Find out more >>
Enrol now
Online course: Textiles: Materials, Techniques & History
22 January 2026 - 26 March 2026
£250.00
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)
