Photographing the V&A During the Pandemic

v&a

The V&A is usually bustling and teeming with people which makes it hard to photograph. In-between the second and third lockdowns I managed to take some stunning photographs of the museum without the trampling hoards spoiling every shot.

Enjoying the Solitary Splendour of the V&A

I enjoyed the solitary splendour of this usually ‘packed to the gunwales’ museum. I suddenly felt important, a welcomed VIP on a visit, treated with polite and amused deference by the reception committee and the room attendants of the Victoria and Albert Museum..

The V&A is a Museum Showcasing Art and Design

The v&a was established exactly 100 years before my birth in 1857. Its full name is the Victoria and Albert Museum but Queen Victoria wanted to name it the Albert Museum. The museum’s focus is on art and design. All its exhibitions are sold out blockbusters. My friends brag when they have managed to get a ticket and boast of their intentions to see future shows.

Beginning My Visit in the Courtyard Cafe

My first stop was the v&a ground floor, Benugo cafe in the courtyard sitting under grey skies, sipping tea, nibbling lemon and poppy seed cake and surrounded by exquisite architecture.

Exhibition Road Entrance

The v&a Courtyard Facade

V&A: Oval pool with water jets

I then went for a leisurely amble round the deserted galleries, engaging staff in amiable conversation about their personal story, how the virus was impacting them and our love of London culture.

I didn’t stop to read the exhibit descriptions as I was so mesmerised by the sheer emptiness of this vast museum which is on a 12 acre site.

Photographs of the Empty Museum

I then gathered speed to photograph as much of it as possible. I went up and down staircases, in and out of the lift and walked and walked and walked.

V&A: Green Plaster Court

V&A: Pink Plaster court

V&A: Religious Artefacts

V&A: Religious Statues

V&A: Stairwell

An empty corridor in the v&a

We visited the Filthy Lucre – The Whistler Peacock Room exhibition at the V&A which explains a bitter feud between an artist and his patron. You may enjoy learning about the dispute and seeing photos of the exhibition.

Most of our museums are free to visit. You may be interested in our other suggestions for free and cheap things to do in London.

I have spent my whole life at the v&a, my earliest childhood memories are enshrined here and this is a day of emptiness that will be impossible to forget.

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