February, 2013 – Graham Miln

Victoria and Albert - London Highlights

Visiting the V&A was squarely at the top of our must see places in London. The V&A is unlike any other gallery or museum I have ever had the pleasure to visit.

One of the key factors behind my love of this institute is that collections span not only far into the distant past, but also extend to the modern era. If an item is worthwhile, if it is the best of class, then the V&A’s remit covers the item. It does not appear to matter if the item was created yesterday or a thousand years ago.

The V&A’s broad range of contents, esoteric galleries, and drive for the best of class has created a place we happily spend hours in every time we visit London.

With this visit we saw the new furniture gallery. A collection of beautiful furniture gathered and documented in one long room.

The new furniture gallery
The new furniture gallery

Furniture on display from Frank Lloyd Wright
Furniture on display from Frank Lloyd Wright

Transforming piece of fun furniture
Transforming piece of fun furniture

I was disappointed by the architecture gallery. The curation seemed less polished than other galleries. The focus did not feel clear; I did not feel I learnt much from exploring the room.

Architecture gallery
Architecture gallery

Fun glass gallery sign in glass
Fun glass gallery sign in glass

Glass ware on display in the V&A
Glass ware on display in the V&A

Inner courtyard of the V&A
Inner courtyard of the V&A

Hereford Cathedral’s rood screen has been lent to the V&A. The screen is proudly on display overlooking the main entrance.

Part of Hereford Cathedrals rood screen
Part of Hereford Cathedrals rood screen

Hereford Cathedrals rood screen
Hereford Cathedrals rood screen

Some of the gallery spaces reach five or more storeys in height. Yet these galleries can be tricky to find.

Sculptures and relics abound
Sculptures and relics abound

A statue of a woman in the V&A
A statue of a woman in the V&A

A newly housed ceramics collection is on display. The immense selection of ceramics are grouped by country; they offer the fun distraction of seeking out patterns and styles in use in your own home.

An almost overwhelming range of ceramics are on display
An almost overwhelming range of ceramics are on display

V&A initials carved into stone
V&A initials carved into stone

There is far too much to do and see at the V&A in one visit. I highly recommend pacing yourself, picking a couple of galleries to enjoy, and focusing on those. Rushing to try and see everything will leave you exhausted, weary, and robbed of the joy the V&A has to offer.