Worthwhile Activity: London’s Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum – art, fashion, and design

March 30, 2010

It’s hard to pick a favorite museum in a historic city full of lovely museums. But it’s such a worthwhile activity since most museums in London are free.

But the V&A is definitely up there because it showcases an eclectic mix of art, architecture, and design spanning a few centuries.  I love seeing more than one medium at a time and especially loved the photography and artifacts from centuries ago (like the fancy Backgammon set and comb below).  The V&A is also a small to medium sized museum so it’s not terribly overwhelming and can be leisurely be perused in a few hours. 

We entered the main hall and were presented with a piece from the exhibit, Decode.  This exhibit explores and uses computer code to create fluid pieces of work.  There is supposed to be a hidden message here, but I don’t see it.  Do you?

One of my favorite pieces was this photograph of Lily Cole.  I think this was a Tim Walker photo (he loves surrealist photography).  Fashion model and the camera in equal proportions.

They actually transported this amazing 18th century staircase to the museum.  Wow.

Another highlight was a room dedicated to full size clay reproductions.  Wow, look at this pillar.

Finally I loved the small everyday objects from centuries ago…
…the loveliest comb with intricate carvings

…and the prettiest Backgammon set ever

…finally to the loveliest piano ever.

As always, though the museum is free special exhibits may require a fee.
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  • Jenni March 30, 2010 at 20:59

    wow. I want to go!!!

  • Kristin March 30, 2010 at 21:49

    That looks just incredible!

  • PartyPlannerGal March 31, 2010 at 01:08

    Wow! I have no idea how one transports a staircase. Amazing! Love that backgammon table.

  • Mrs T March 31, 2010 at 02:21

    That place looks amazing

  • MizzJ March 31, 2010 at 02:35

    What a series of interesting artifacts! I love spiral staircases, you just never see them anymore and that photograph is so cool too.

    Tell me your Holy Grail mascara and you could win a must-have beauty prize!! http://highmaintenancewoman.blogspot.com/2010/03/holy-grail-mascaras-giveaway.html

  • Chocolate Lover March 31, 2010 at 02:37

    Fun! Take it all in!

  • Mo March 31, 2010 at 05:44

    I heart museums. Unfortunately we never visited the V&A museum while in London, we spent a lot of time at The Tate and The British Museum.
    Don’t worry, I can’t read the hidden message either. It actually makes me a little dizzy looking at it!

  • THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE March 31, 2010 at 17:23

    I’m totally hitting this next time I’m in London. Thanks for sharing all of the fabulous pieces!

  • Jbreezybaby March 31, 2010 at 20:20

    i love artifacts they fascinate me! i like those kind of staircase! great place!

  • Jessica April 1, 2010 at 01:40

    I can’t decode this one either! But I do love the staircase.

  • Tiffany April 1, 2010 at 07:50

    Oh, I love the V&A! Haven’t been in awhile, your photos make me want to go back to London now!

  • elledee April 1, 2010 at 16:13

    that Lily Cole photo is really cool

  • Heather Taylor April 2, 2010 at 07:37

    It is Tim Walker, his photos are just the best!

  • DiamondsandTulle April 6, 2010 at 14:10

    I loved this museum and was sad I didn’t have as much time to spend in it as I would have liked. That said – I could have easily spent 2-3 day in there!

    xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

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