A day at the V&A: an introduction to the collections

What is the course about?

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.

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.