London, England Who among us hasn’t at some time or other craved more storage space, or maybe just one more shelf?
Well, imagine being the Victoria and Albert Museum with loads of goodies that just can’t all be shown at once. Plus, more things just keep getting donated or acquired. Where to put them all?
Welcome to the V&A East Storehouse, which has recently opened as a showcase offering a “behind the scenes” view of the vast number of V&A collections. It’s like touring someone’s very well-organized – and clean – attic.
First of all, let’s start with the amazing structure of the building. Not for those suffering from vertigo or weak knees, it is a stunning use of space.
Dizzying, but oh so dramatic.
Then there are the objects contained here. There is no obvious rhyme or reason for what goes where, but the curators must know where their particular goodies are. That’s what makes it fun.
Special mention must be given to a Frank Lloyd Wright creation, the office of Edgar Kaufmann, the Pittsburgh retail magnate for whom he also built a vacation home, the famous Fallingwater. Even my husband might find the amount of desk space excessive. Maybe.
Then there was a turret from a medieval Spanish castle. First you see the back and the supports, then the astonishing interior.
On a more frivolous note, the V&A has thoughtfully preserved a hat worn by Dame Edna Everage at Royal Ascot one year, patriotically honoring the Sydney Opera House. What a treasure!
There is also very serious work going on here. There is plenty of space for all types of conservation to take place.
All in all, this is a fabulous addition to the London museum scene.
Highly recommend!!