04
Sep
Art Explosion Rotunda Chandelier by Dale Chihuly
When you step inside the Victoria and Albert Museum, you are arrested by an explosion of art and assured that you will be in for a treat on a grand scale. Suspended in the grand rotunda is Dale Chihuly’s monumental 8.2-metre glass chandelier, a spiralling sculpture with intricate tendrils that beckon you into this captivating place.
Where to go from here? The glittering elegance of the historic jewellery collection, the hushed quiet of the photography gallery, the astonishing stature of the cast collection, or the glamorous theatrics of a Dior fashion exhibit.
Family Connections at the V&A
Janet Taylor
On a personal note, my visit to the V&A carries an added layer of meaning. My fifth great aunt, a gifted mathematician, trailblazing inventor, astronomer, and mother of eight, showed her Quintant at the Great Exhibition of 1851, the very event that inspired the creation of the museum itself. This sparked my initial fascination with the V&A.
This stunning Quintant was later presented to the then-Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, and can now be seen on display at the Maritime Museum in Greenwich, along with her night telescope. You can read more about Janet in Mistress of Science by Ros and John Croucher.
Then there is William Beilby, my children’s fifth great-uncle, who in 1761 became the first person to fire enamel into glass. His exquisite goblets, once hotly favoured by royalty, remain highly sought after today, fetching £140,000 at auction. This will be my first stop.
On display today is the divine decanter painted by William in 1762 for Sir Walter Calverley Blackett, who served as MP for Newcastle between 1734-1777. Sir Walter was High Sheriff of Northumberland, alderman and mayor of Newcastle.
From here, I feel like stepping up the pace with the extensive assortment of the V&A’s theatre and performance costumes. On display today is Vivien Leigh’s Cleopatra gown, worn in 1951 in her West End performance, the ballet shoes worn by Darcy Bassel in her final performance with the Royal Ballet and Laurence Olivier’s Hamlet costume from the 1948 film for which Roger Furse won the inaugural Oscar for Costume Design.
I am drawn to the jewellery collection each visit. As one of the largest in the world it is difficult to appreciate in one visit, and of course, I need to see my favourite piece, Queen Victoria’s coronet, designed by Prince Albert himself. Set with sapphires and diamonds, the piece is both intimate and regal, a symbol of love fashioned into something eternal. I’ll admit, I’m a little obsessed with their story, one of history’s great tragic romances. I have been back several times to view the beautiful piece from a loving husband.
Photography Gallery
From the classic Royal portraits by Cecil Beaton to the flamboyance of David Bowie, the V&A hosts a fascinating collection of photography. You also never know what you might see as displays are changed regularly.
Today, there is a hauntingly beautiful collection of fine art including Unseen by Tereza Zelenková.
Known as the Cast Courts, these vast halls are filled with awe-inspiring reproductions of some of the world’s most magnificent masterpieces — from Michelangelo’s David to the towering Trajan Columns.
I love how the people in this image provide perspective.
I am drawn to the elegance of the garden, probably as it provides a perfect place to pause, and by now I have deserved a bit of a break.
Children splash and frolic in the fountain, while fellow visitors perch along the edges with sandwiches, sketchbooks, or simply a well-earned coffee. Ah….
As you can see, the V&A is vast, holds a massive collection of various items that appeal to a large audience. I haven’t mentioned collection highlights such as Tippoo’s Tiger, the Ardabil Carpet, or the South Asia gallery, the design galleries, including furniture and ceramics…the list goes on.
Phew, well that’s enough for one visit. Stay tuned for more.
N x
