Exhibition Opening on Saturday, 27 March 2021

Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser

  • Opening on Saturday, 27 March 2021

  • The Sainsbury Gallery

  • £20.00

    Concessions apply.
    Members go free, but need to book

    Opening hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 – 17:00. Last admission 16:00. Your entry time is valid for 15 minutes, please arrive promptly. You are welcome to explore the permanent collection after visiting the exhibition.

Members visit free – join now

Exploring its origins, adaptations and reinventions over 157 years, this immersive and theatrical show charts the evolution of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland from manuscript to a global phenomenon beloved by all ages.

Exhibition Highlights

Ink illustration of the White Rabbit with pocket watch, umbrella and bowler hat, looking in panic at a piece of paper
Original drawing of the White Rabbit for the series Alice in Wonderland, Ralph Steadman, 1967. © Ralph Steadman Art Collection, 2019
poster
Cheshire Cat, psychedelic poster, designed by Joseph McHugh, printed by Orbit Graphic Arts, published by East Totem West, 1967, California, US. Museum no. E.3796-2004. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The Red Queen onstage wearing costume by Bob Crowley
Zenaida Yanowsky as The Red Queen in Christopher Wheeldon's ballet Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Royal Ballet. ©ROH, Johan Persson, 2011. Sets and costumes by Bob Crowley
Black and white illustration showing the Alice, the Rabbit, a mouse and the mad hatter at the tea party
Illustration from first published edition of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, illustrated by John Tenniel, 1866. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Salvador Dali painting of A Mad Tea Party. Melted clock impaled on a tree of fire.
A Mad Tea Party, Salvador Dali, 1969. © Salvador Dali, Fundació Gala-Salvador Dalí, DACS 2019
Sepia-toned portrait of a woman with hand on hip, surrounded by foliage
Pomona, photograph of Alice Liddell, by Julia Margaret Cameron, albumen print, 1872, England. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
screenprint
"Well, this is grand!" said Alice, screenprint, by Peter Blake, printed by Kelpra, 1970, England. Museum no. CIRC.125-1976. © Peter Blake. All rights reserved, DACS 2019
Painting showing two girls with long hair in a corridor with giant sunflower
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Dorothea Tanning, 1943. © ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2019
'Alice’, Pirelli 2018 calendar shot by Tim Walker and styled by Edward Enninful to an Alice in Wonderland theme
'Alice’, Pirelli 2018 calendar shot by Tim Walker and styled by Edward Enninful to an Alice in Wonderland theme, featuring Duckie Thot. © Tim Walker Studio Courtesy of Pirelli & C.S.p.A
Catwalk model wearing Vivienne Westwood's Gold Label dress
Vivienne Westwood Gold Label, ensemble for Spring/Summer 2015 collection. © UGO Camera
Carly Bawden as 'Alice' and Joshua Lacey as the white rabbit in Wonder.land at the Royal National Theatre
Carly Bawden as 'Alice' and Joshua Lacey as the white rabbit in Wonder.land, Royal National Theatre, London 2015. © Costume design by Katerina Lindsay, 2015. Design by Rae Smith. Photo Brinkhoff/Moegenburg

Events

Features

V&A shop

Alice, Curiouser and Curiouser (Hardback)

Alice, Curiouser and Curiouser (Hardback)

With specially commissioned interactive illustrations by award-winning artist Kristjana S. Williams, this book explores the global impact of Alice in Wonderland across art, design and performance.

£30 Buy
Alice in Wonderland print

Alice in Wonderland print

Vintage-style Alice in Wonderland print adapted from a card game illustrated by E. Gertrude Thomson after Sir John Tenniel.

£10 Buy
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

This special Puffin Classics edition of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland has been inspired by our collection of works by the Arts and Crafts pioneer William Morris.

£9.99 Buy
Alice: Curiouser and Curiouser
Official Virtual Reality Partner
Background image: Zenaida Yanowsky as The Red Queen in Christopher Wheeldon's ballet Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The Royal Ballet. Photography by Johan Persson / © ROH. Sets and costumes by Bob Crowley