Joanna James
The Victoria and Albert Museum is one of the museums in London that focuses mostly on the display of fashion and the decorative arts. You may not consider this your cup of tea, especially if you have no interest in the arts and fashion but that is where you'd be wrong and let us show you why.
When you visit the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, you should first turn to your right at the main lobby and go looking for the Paul and Jill Ruddock Galleries. This is an open space that displays the renaissance sculptures. Each room has some iconic pieces on display for you to photograph or just stare and admire, including Giambologna's Samson Slaying a Philistine.
If you can't go straight to Florence to see the real David by Michaelangelo, you could always see the replica at the Victoria and Albert Museum. It is literally a hop-skip-jump from any hotel in Bayswater, and it is a life-size replica so you're not missing much. Once you are done with the sculptures you can head on to the first floor behind the Paul and Jill Ruddock Galleries to the Cast Courts. The Cast Courts take up two galleries and display more sculptures which mostly feature Italian renaissance.
The second floor also offers a view of the Cast Courts from above. From where you can go to the Dorothy and Michael Hintze Galleries. The sculptures curated here range from funeral busts to mythological creatures. The galleries also have windows that look out into a courtyard garden and thus lets in lots of natural light with which you can take beautiful photographs.
The National Art Library at the Victoria and Albert Museum is home to one of the largest reference libraries for fine art and decorative art in the world. You will be requested to leave your bags in the cloakroom but anyone who can provide identification is allowed in. Books are strictly for referencing and can be requested from the librarians. You can also photograph the library, which everyone should as it is spectacular and takes your breath away.
There are plenty of photography galleries on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Some of them are ticketed while others are completely free. There is one that you should check out if you are a fan of photography and of improving your craft and that is The History of Photography. The museum has a collection of over five hundred thousand photographs. Seeing the photographs of famous and hitherto unknown people and how it has evolved over the years is a fascinating feeling.
So next time you are in London, go spend the day. It won't take long if you stay in the city at hotels like Berjaya Eden Park London Hotel for example. It is a lovely and informative way to spend one's day.
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