Museum allows patrons to acquire art pieces upon request
Revamped and Invigorated: Exploring the V&A East Storehouse, A new era of artistic engagement in London
Delve into an extraordinary adventure, as London's artistic landscape undergoes a revolution at the V&A East Storehouse. This ground-breaking venue, nestled within the former Olympic Games site, serves as an extension of the prestigious Victoria and Albert Museum, showcasing a staggering collection of 250,000 pieces from the museum's reserves - a fifth of its grand total!
"Bloody marvellous!" raves Jane Bailey, a retired physics professor, her eyes gleaming at the sight of the legendary Keith Moon's drum kit - The Who's iconic drummer from the '60s to '70s.
"I'd give anything to bring him back and listen to a tune or two," she muses, her finger pointing at the awe-inspiring drum set, nestled on a metal shelf in the midst of countless priceless treasures.
Emanating a warehouse-like ambiance, the space teems with precious ceramics, breathtaking paintings, and toys hailing from the Tudor dynasty, harmoniously coexisting in this revolutionary exhibition space.
This interactive hub opened its doors on May 31, drawing a visit from Patron Princess Kate on its inaugural Tuesday.
Breaking Barriers: A Hands-On Journey
Some pieces, like the twelve-meter-long "The Blue Train" stage curtain, painted post-Picasso, rarely made an appearance before. Here, there are no protective enclosures; all the items are available for public touch, seven days a week, absolutely free!
Moreover, thousands of items can be reserved on the museum's website. Once reserved, they're delivered to the visitor donning gloves provided by the institution, all under the watchful eye of museum staff.
Georgia Haseldine, a dedicated conservator at the museum, succinctly encapsulates the essence of the project: "Our collection belongs to everyone, and everyone should be able to access it freely." This concept marks the dawn of an unprecedented era, a testament to the future of museum exploration.
Some staff initially harboured concerns about potential damage, but once the team understood the project's philosophy and focus on progress, these apprehensions dissolved.
In fact, exploring the back of an object or delving into the innermost depths of a dress, according to Haseldine, enriches our understanding of material culture.
Researcher Kate Hill, a specialist in museum history at Lincoln University, notices a paradigm shift. While large museums may offer object tours, they are often restricted due to protective measures. The V&A East Storehouse, however, prides itself on offering unparalleled access to its multifarious collection.
The Digital Horizon
Unlike a traditional museum, information is shared digitally. QR codes dot the display, directing visitors to catalogues where they can delve deeper into each artwork they encounter, making the experience more immersive and participatory.
A stroll through the storehouse alongside Gemma Glaister, a 28-year-old Londoner, reveals her appreciation for the interactive aspect. "Artworks shouldn't be behind glass, out of reach. They should be accessible, touchable," she declares.
This new approach to museum exploration invites visitors to engage actively rather than passively, fostering a sense of comradeship and shared discovery.
In short, the V&A East Storehouse stands as a beacon of change, redefining the boundaries of artistic exploration, and ushering us into a new era of cultural immersion. Pop some champagne, London, we've entered the Age of Museum Adrenaline! 🥳🍾🎨🔍
"The V&A East Storehouse's interactive approach breaks down barriers, encouraging visitors to engage directly with the vast array of artifacts spanning cultures, lifestyles, and home-and-garden items, immersing themselves in the collection like never before."
"This cultural revolution not only offers a chance to explore the museum's hidden gems up close but also emphasizes the importance of understanding material culture through hands-on experience, enhancing our appreciation of various societal aspects and lifestyles throughout history."
