So I learned once again, don't listen to other people! Go find out something for yourself! ;)
I had heard that the Victoria and Albert Museum was 'boring' - oh to the contrary. They had many a good exhibit, especially about 'every day' life from throughout history, especially Britain.
The concepts of the museums goes back to the 'Great Exhibition' of 1851, but this building had it's beginnings with the cornerstone being laid in 1899 (it was Queen Victoria's last public engagement).
The inner courtyard with a fountain...
Victoria on a mural welcoming all the 'industry' of all countries - they even listed the U.S. Hmm....
I like the Dyson commercials - after he's like 'have you ever wondered...' I'm usually like 'why didn't I ever think of that?!' So this is Dyson's hand dryer. You just put your hands in on the top and then 'remove' them slowly. Not a groundbreaking experience, but still interesting....
This is the main entrance to the V&A museum. The largest Chihuly chandelier in the world meets the visitor as s/he enters....
I never knew what a 'Chihuly' was until I read my friend's blog (thanks Alyssa ;)
I thought this was absolutely amazing! It is a 'center' piece from Manchester Cathedral - it's all steel! Amazingly crafted and beautiful....
Wow! Now those are some hips! ;)
Talking about exchange of cultures. This is a British bedroom design from....guess the year.....
EXACTLY! 1752! Thumbs up for going crazee experimental so 'early'....
In the V&A they recreated several 'rooms' throughout British history. This was a dance salon from a rich London neighborhood. They also recreated the inside of a small countryside church amongst other things - cool to see how people used to live....
They had a huge silver and gold collection - the craftsmanship of some of the items was amazing!
WHAT IS TRAJAN'S COLUMN DOING IN LONDON?!
or, better said, WHAT ARE TWO TRAJAN COLUMNS DOING IN LONDON?!
OR IN THE WORLD FOR THAT MATTER?!!
I didn't realize this, but rich people would have 'plaster replicas' made of famous sites/items throughout the world - apparently because they
couldn't get around that much/go see them/etc.
So they would have their own 'Trajan column' made, so they could 'see'/visit it. Hmm....
The collection in the V&A is one of the largest in the world - they even have a 'David' by Michelangelo.
I just thought this was cool-looking....silver-plaited, flattened instruments....
Bottom-up view...
Top-down view....
V ictoria and A lbert! What a pair - and after he died, she really did miss him....so I guess they really were happy....
the opposite view of the courtyard and fountain.
Thanks V&A! You were 'better than I expected'... ;)
