Introducing the V&A Research Institute

The UK’s historic churches, chapels and meeting houses are among our most treasured buildings. Within their walls are centuries of faith, art, memory and community life. They are part of our cultural and heritage landscape – but for how much longer? Together with partners from across the sector, the V&A and National Churches Trust are enabling a conversation that brings together people who wouldn’t usually find themselves in the same room – heritage experts and planners, parishioners and policymakers, conservationists and creatives. This event is generously sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance.

Through the narratives of their two families and their extended collaborative artistic and research practices, the artists Katharina Mayrhofer and Helen Emily Davy will present their project as a lens through which to understand difficult pasts, the ways in which they are remembered, and our relationship to these pasts and to each other in the present.

Focusing on the historic early colour photography process the Autochrome Lumière, this conference explores the research and results of the PERCEIVE project, seeking new ways to understand, exhibit, and access fragile, coloured cultural heritage. All ticket reservations (in person and online) close on 23 November, 2025.

The V&A and Bunnett-Muir Musical Theatre Archive Trust (BMT) are delighted to announce the first cohort of Musical Theatre Fellows and Grant Recipients. Generously funded by the Bunnett-Muir Musical Theatre Archive Trust, the fellowships and grants provide the opportunity to undertake research in the field of the musical on stage and screen with the Bunnett-Muir Musical Theatre Archive and the V&A’s Theatre and Performance Collections.

The V&A is pleased to announce a conference, taking place on 15 September 2026, addressing Ukrainian heritage past and present through the lens of material culture. Considering both the work done up to now by institutions in the UK that care for Ukrainian heritage, and future directions, this symposium will highlight the ongoing efforts within the V&A and other UK institutions to improve the understanding and interpretation of Ukrainian collections. The deadline for submitted abstracts is 12 December 2025.

Simona Valeriani’s book tells the fascinating story of how The Royal Albert Hall, one of the most iconic buildings of the Victorian era, came into being. Bringing material and archival evidence to life, it gives voice to its makers: from artisans and engineers to royalty and policy makers. The Royal Albert Hall reveals itself as a gateway to a new understanding of the political, artistic and scientific aspirations of a generation whose legacy still shapes today’s social and cultural landscape.

The V&A Research Journal is now available again – and we plan new issues in the forthcoming months

‘Unearthed’ is a poetry film by Amina Jama. It responds to the V&A’s archive showcasing stereotypical depictions of people of colour throughout time.