Where in the world is Paula? Well, I’ve been spending most of my time in London, especially at the Victoria and Albert Museum – specifically, in the cafe and gift shop.
Opened in 1852, the Victoria and Albert Museum was named after the couple who conceived and established it, Queen Victoria and her beloved husband, Prince Albert. Affectionately referred to as the V&A, this gorgeous museum is dedicated to design and decorative arts. It’s fitting, really, because Albert was an innovator who embraced technological advances, while Victoria was a trendsetter and style icon. The Victorian Era lasted decades and reached around the globe. In fact, we have her to thank for all the beautiful Victorian architecture in one of my many hometowns, San Francisco.
Naturally, this stylish couple decided to open an art museum. They were so passionate about the arts that they insisted it be free, ensuring access to all classes of citizens. Today, their mission continues; entrance to their permanent collection is still free.
Except the cafe and gift shop are definitely not free – which is where I spend all my time.
But who can blame me?
There are three distinct, historical, and stunning dining spaces that are connected side by side. Actually, there are four. There’s also a light-filled sculpture room, but I consider that space merely overflow because of this.
and this
and this.
Originally, this was the meat roasting room -hence, all the tiles.
Eating in a museum was a novel idea in 1852. But I told you, these two were innovators.
By the way, if you find yourself here in the summertime, there is also a fifth dining space – an inner courtyard where you can snack while watching kids splash in the fountain.
Unless there is an art installation smack in the middle of it.
One day, while sipping my tea in the cafe after perusing the gift shop, I thought, “I believe there’s art here.” So I went back to the gift shop and purchased a guidebook.
Since then, I’ve been slowly making my way through the galleries, following tea and a snack, of course.
So far, my favorite find is The Bed of Ware. This bed dates back to at least 1596, when travelers could spend a night in it while passing north of London. It’s famous for how many people it could hold. But mostly, it’s famous because Shakespeare referred to it in his play Twelfth Night.
It looks like it could fit at least 6 people at a time.
A few of whom, apparently, carved their mark into its bedposts.
My favorite day to visit is Friday, when the V&A is open until 11:00pm. On Fridays, they have a DJ, set up a bar at the entrance, and host multiple (free) interactive events throughout the museum. I stumbled upon this one in the cafe. Naturally.
A live model (very interesting-looking) posed in a tableau while an artist facilitated a series of timed sketches. She invited us to help ourselves to paper, charcoal, and pastels. Before we began, she gave us a few pointers, but mostly, she gave us permission not to overthink or judge ourselves.
While I highly recommend a trip to the cafe and the gift shop, just as I suspected, there is art here too. There are galleries dedicated to everything from glass to silver to sculpture to ironwork to jewelry… This place is going to keep me busy for a while.
On my list is this little masterpiece.
The V&A has an extensive collection of eye miniatures, which were popular in the late 18th century. I find this deeply personal jewelry both beautiful and sad. And not just because she’s crying.
But that’s for another day. First, let’s check out the exhibit currently running, shall we?