Victoria and Albert Museum

London's Victoria and Albert Museum has been criticised for being over- subsidised and snooty. But the opening of the museum's new British galleries, refurbished at a cost of ₤31m, and displaying examples of British design from 1500 to 1900, may help to redeem its reputation.

Among the furniture, dresses, jewellery, paintings and sculpture can be found Henry VIII's writing desk, James II's wedding suit and the enormous Great Bed of Ware. The bed is mentioned in “Twelfth Night”; Dickens (whose manuscript of “Oliver Twist” is also on display) reputedly offered to buy it; and 26 butchers and their wives celebrated the coronation of William and Mary in it. Designers and manufacturers such as Chippendale, Wedgwood and Liberty are also represented. As with all public museums in Britain, entrance is now free.

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Contact Information

Victoria & Albert Museum
Cromwell Rd
SW7 2RL London

Tel. +442079422000

http://www.vam.ac.uk