Introducing the V&A Research Institute

Dr Rebekah Hodgkinson's and Dr Rhea Tuli Partridge's talk expands the boundaries of provenance research to encompass the lives of heritage institutions and collections. The histories of museums, heritage bodies and their practices frame how collections are formed, classified and displayed; these are inseparable from the provenance of the objects they hold.

Was eighteenth-century European porcelain just a ceramic material to be moulded into useful objects – or could it mean more? This international conference explores the religious production of European ceramic factories and considers questions such as: Who were the artists and patrons involved in these sculptures’ creation? How did these sculptures function in private and public contexts? What significance lay in the use of porcelain to create devotional images? Generously supported by the French Porcelain Society.

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.