Come the autumn there will be a shiny new photography gallery at the V&A so that its extensive collection of photographs – some dating back to 1839 – can be shown off in the fashion to which it should become accustomed. When we say that the museum’s collection is extensive, apparently it is one of the largest in the world, which I suppose is only to be expected for the world’s greatest museum of art and design. (As it calls itself.)
The idea behind the new gallery, which has been converted from a study-space, is to chronicle the development of photography from 1839 to the 1960s as well as provide in-depth themed exhibitions. The first of these ‘In Focus’ exhibitions will feature Victorian portrait photographer Julia Margaret Cameron and street photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson.
The Brig, by Gustave Le Grey (1856) V&A images
The new gallery is due to open on 25 October, and it’ll be free to enter. Yippeedee!
The V&A is on the Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL.
(Featured image: Circe, by Julia Margaret Cameron (c.1865) V&A images.)