A day at the V&A: an introduction to the collections
Spend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world...
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This is a gallery-based day out that aims to introduce you to a wide range of the galleries in the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum. The session will include looking at paintings, fashion, sculpture, photography, ceramics, tapestry, furniture, textiles, painting and glass. The session will be informal, with discussions around the objects and lots of opportunity to ask questions and to chat about what you are seeing.
Please note the following:
1. Displays at the V&A can change at short notice.
2. This course is 3.5 hours in the museum with a one hour break for lunch. There will be a fair amount of walking and standing during the session. Please see our full disclaimer on gallery-based courses under the 'how will I be taught' section of this course outline.
3. A meeting point for the session will be emailed to you at least one week before the session.
What will we cover?
-The function of the Victoria and Albert Museum and why it was founded -The significance of the objects in the galleries in the museum -How to engage with the exhibits to gain an understanding of how they were made, their historical contexts and their functions and/or meanings.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Demonstrate an understanding of key works in the V&A collection and explain their importance • Identify the processes/techniques used by a wide range of artists and designers and explain how this affects the appearance and meaning of exhibits in the collection • Participate in discussions on works in the collection with greater confidence and offer an informed opinion about them • Learn how to find out more about specific exhibits that particularly interest you.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels and requires no prior art history knowledge.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs, and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion although you are not obliged to contribute if you prefer not to.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught with a mixture of guided gallery visits, group discussion and short activities.
This course takes place offsite in the Victoria and Albert Museum at South Kensington. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or the behaviour of visitors outside of the course group. Unless you are a wheelchair user and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between galleries and stand for some time while looking at exhibits. You may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite. If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, in order to discuss reasonable accommodations that we can make to assist your learning offsite.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to bring a notebook and something to write with. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list in the handouts. You might want to invest in a portable gallery stool. Museum entry is free.
This course will have an approximately 1 hour break for lunch.You may wish to bring a packed lunch, or have lunch together with the group in the V&A café.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Introduction to Tate Modern Introduction to Tate Britain A stroll through British Art.
Liz Keevill Eyres worked as a textile designer in the fashion industry for four years and then as a magazine journalist specializing in interior design for 13 years. Her first degree was at Camberwell School of Art which she did at the same time as completing a degree in History and Art History with the Open University. Liz studied and has taught at Kingston University, where she lead modules and lectured in history of art, design history and architecture for ten years and ran study visits both at home and abroad. Liz has researched into English Modernist textile design of the 1950s and the professional practice of the provincial Edwardian architect, in particular Norwich-based architect George Skipper.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/a-day-at-the-v-a-an-introduction-to-the-collections296262A day at the V&A: an introduction to the collectionshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/-/a-day-at-the-v_a-an-introduction-to-the-collections-vb955-1024.jpg4949GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Galleries, collecting & curating/Courses/vm/Courses to do around London/Courses/vm/Summer offers/Courses/vm/Courses under £6922851136117718921678136141355112285117711361653Spend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world and across the centuries in this remarkable museum.001437895A day at the V&A: an introduction to the collections4949https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/-/a-day-at-the-v_a-an-introduction-to-the-collections-vb955-1024_6.jpgInStockDaytimeTueOff SiteNo longer availableOne-off onlyWeekday2025-12-09T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allDec 2025Culture, history & humanitiesVB1654949A day at the V&A: an introduction to the collections393249Elizabeth Eyresa-day-at-the-v-a-an-introduction-to-the-collections/vb165-2526Spend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world and across the centuries in this remarkable museum.0015-FullStillOpen|2025-12-09 00:00:00This is a gallery-based day out that aims to introduce you to a wide range of the galleries in the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum. The session will include looking at paintings, fashion, sculpture, photography, ceramics, tapestry, furniture, textiles, painting and glass. The session will be informal, with discussions around the objects and lots of opportunity to ask questions and to chat about what you are seeing.Spend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world and across the centuries in this remarkable museum.-The function of the Victoria and Albert Museum and why it was founded <br />
-The significance of the objects in the galleries in the museum<br />
-How to engage with the exhibits to gain an understanding of how they were made, their historical contexts and their functions and/or meanings.• Demonstrate an understanding of key works in the V&A collection and explain their importance<br />
• Identify the processes/techniques used by a wide range of artists and designers and explain how this affects the appearance and meaning of exhibits in the collection<br />
• Participate in discussions on works in the collection with greater confidence and offer an informed opinion about them<br />
• Learn how to find out more about specific exhibits that particularly interest you.This course is suitable for all levels and requires no prior art history knowledge.<br />
<br />
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs, and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion although you are not obliged to contribute if you prefer not to.The course will be taught with a mixture of guided gallery visits, group discussion and short activities. <br />
<br />
This course takes place offsite in the Victoria and Albert Museum at South Kensington. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or the behaviour of visitors outside of the course group. Unless you are a wheelchair user and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between galleries and stand for some time while looking at exhibits. You may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite. If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, in order to discuss reasonable accommodations that we can make to assist your learning offsite.You might wish to bring a notebook and something to write with. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list in the handouts. You might want to invest in a portable gallery stool. Museum entry is free.<br />
<br />
This course will have an approximately 1 hour break for lunch.You may wish to bring a packed lunch, or have lunch together with the group in the V&A café.Introduction to Tate Modern<br />
Introduction to Tate Britain<br />
A stroll through British Art.Art historyGalleries, collecting & curatingvirtual2720421A day at the V&A: an introduction to the collections4949https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/a/-/a-day-at-the-v_a-an-introduction-to-the-collections-vb955-1024_7.jpgInStockDaytimeMonOff SiteAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-05-18T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMay 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB9554949A day at the V&A: an introduction to the collections393249Elizabeth Eyresa-day-at-the-v-a-an-introduction-to-the-collections/vb955-2526Spend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world and across the centuries in this remarkable museum.0000-Available|2026-05-18 00:00:00<p>This is a gallery-based day out that aims to introduce you to a wide range of the galleries in the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum. The session will include looking at paintings, fashion, sculpture, photography, ceramics, tapestry, furniture, textiles, painting and glass. The session will be informal, with discussions around the objects and lots of opportunity to ask questions and to chat about what you are seeing.</p><p>Please note the following:</p><p>1. Displays at the V&A can change at short notice.</p><p>2. This course is 3.5 hours in the museum with a one hour break for lunch. There will be a fair amount of walking and standing during the session. Please see our full disclaimer on gallery-based courses under the 'how will I be taught' section of this course outline.</p><p>3. A meeting point for the session will be emailed to you at least one week before the session.</p>Spend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world and across the centuries in this remarkable museum.-The function of the Victoria and Albert Museum and why it was founded <br/> -The significance of the objects in the galleries in the museum<br/> -How to engage with the exhibits to gain an understanding of how they were made, their historical contexts and their functions and/or meanings.• Demonstrate an understanding of key works in the V&A collection and explain their importance<br/>• Identify the processes/techniques used by a wide range of artists and designers and explain how this affects the appearance and meaning of exhibits in the collection<br/>• Participate in discussions on works in the collection with greater confidence and offer an informed opinion about them<br/>• Learn how to find out more about specific exhibits that particularly interest you.This course is suitable for all levels and requires no prior art history knowledge.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs, and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion although you are not obliged to contribute if you prefer not to.The course will be taught with a mixture of guided gallery visits, group discussion and short activities. <br/><br/>This course takes place offsite in the Victoria and Albert Museum at South Kensington. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or the behaviour of visitors outside of the course group. Unless you are a wheelchair user and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between galleries and stand for some time while looking at exhibits. You may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite. If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, in order to discuss reasonable accommodations that we can make to assist your learning offsite.You might wish to bring a notebook and something to write with. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list in the handouts. You might want to invest in a portable gallery stool. Museum entry is free.<br/><br/>This course will have an approximately 1 hour break for lunch.You may wish to bring a packed lunch, or have lunch together with the group in the V&A café.Introduction to Tate Modern<br/>Introduction to Tate Britain<br/>A stroll through British Art.Art historyGalleries, collecting & curatingvirtual394932VB165,VB955NONETue,Mon18/05/2611:00 - 15:3011:0015:301 session1One-off onlyWeekdayOSOff SiteElizabeth EyresBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNo longer available,Available courses2025-12-09T00:00:00+00:00,2026-05-18T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeDec 2025,May 2026Culture, history & humanities4949A day at the V&A: an introduction to the collectionsa-day-at-the-v-a-an-introduction-to-the-collections/vb165-2526,a-day-at-the-v-a-an-introduction-to-the-collections/vb955-2526Spend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world and across the centuries in this remarkable museum.,Spend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&amp;A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world and across the centuries in this remarkable museum.0000-Available|2026-05-18 00:00:00This is a gallery-based day out that aims to introduce you to a wide range of the galleries in the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum. The session will include looking at paintings, fashion, sculpture, photography, ceramics, tapestry, furniture, textiles, painting and glass. The session will be informal, with discussions around the objects and lots of opportunity to ask questions and to chat about what you are seeing.,<p>This is a gallery-based day out that aims to introduce you to a wide range of the galleries in the Victoria and Albert (V&amp;A) Museum. The session will include looking at paintings, fashion, sculpture, photography, ceramics, tapestry, furniture, textiles, painting and glass. The session will be informal, with discussions around the objects and lots of opportunity to ask questions and to chat about what you are seeing.</p><p>Please note the following:</p><p>1. Displays at the V&amp;A can change at short notice.</p><p>2. This course is 3.5 hours in the museum with a one hour break for lunch. There will be a fair amount of walking and standing during the session. Please see our full disclaimer on gallery-based courses under the 'how will I be taught' section of this course outline.</p><p>3. A meeting point for the session will be emailed to you at least one week before the session.</p>Spend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world and across the centuries in this remarkable museum.,Spend a fascinating day at the Victoria and Albert (V&amp;A) Museum exploring a range of galleries. We shall be looking at the decorative arts, paintings, sculpture and design from across the world and across the centuries in this remarkable museum.-The function of the Victoria and Albert Museum and why it was founded <br />
-The significance of the objects in the galleries in the museum<br />
-How to engage with the exhibits to gain an understanding of how they were made, their historical contexts and their functions and/or meanings.,-The function of the Victoria and Albert Museum and why it was founded <br/> -The significance of the objects in the galleries in the museum<br/> -How to engage with the exhibits to gain an understanding of how they were made, their historical contexts and their functions and/or meanings.• Demonstrate an understanding of key works in the V&A collection and explain their importance<br />
• Identify the processes/techniques used by a wide range of artists and designers and explain how this affects the appearance and meaning of exhibits in the collection<br />
• Participate in discussions on works in the collection with greater confidence and offer an informed opinion about them<br />
• Learn how to find out more about specific exhibits that particularly interest you.,• Demonstrate an understanding of key works in the V&amp;A collection and explain their importance<br/>• Identify the processes/techniques used by a wide range of artists and designers and explain how this affects the appearance and meaning of exhibits in the collection<br/>• Participate in discussions on works in the collection with greater confidence and offer an informed opinion about them<br/>• Learn how to find out more about specific exhibits that particularly interest you.This course is suitable for all levels and requires no prior art history knowledge.<br />
<br />
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs, and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion although you are not obliged to contribute if you prefer not to.,This course is suitable for all levels and requires no prior art history knowledge.<br/><br/>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, hand-outs, and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion although you are not obliged to contribute if you prefer not to.The course will be taught with a mixture of guided gallery visits, group discussion and short activities. <br />
<br />
This course takes place offsite in the Victoria and Albert Museum at South Kensington. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or the behaviour of visitors outside of the course group. Unless you are a wheelchair user and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between galleries and stand for some time while looking at exhibits. You may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite. If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, in order to discuss reasonable accommodations that we can make to assist your learning offsite.,The course will be taught with a mixture of guided gallery visits, group discussion and short activities. <br/><br/>This course takes place offsite in the Victoria and Albert Museum at South Kensington. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or the behaviour of visitors outside of the course group. Unless you are a wheelchair user and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between galleries and stand for some time while looking at exhibits. You may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite. If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, in order to discuss reasonable accommodations that we can make to assist your learning offsite.You might wish to bring a notebook and something to write with. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list in the handouts. You might want to invest in a portable gallery stool. Museum entry is free.<br />
<br />
This course will have an approximately 1 hour break for lunch.You may wish to bring a packed lunch, or have lunch together with the group in the V&A café.,You might wish to bring a notebook and something to write with. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list in the handouts. You might want to invest in a portable gallery stool. Museum entry is free.<br/><br/>This course will have an approximately 1 hour break for lunch.You may wish to bring a packed lunch, or have lunch together with the group in the V&amp;A café.Introduction to Tate Modern<br />
Introduction to Tate Britain<br />
A stroll through British Art.,Introduction to Tate Modern<br/>Introduction to Tate Britain<br/>A stroll through British Art.Art historyGalleries, collecting & curatingconfigurable
Italian Renaissance drawing: design, form and functionFull fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £129.00
