The Princess of Wales recently toured the Victoria and Albert Museum’s East Storehouse in London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, a new facility showcasing the museum’s vast collection to a wider audience.
Housing over 600,000 objects, the storehouse offers unprecedented public access to a significant portion of the V&A’s holdings, much of which is not usually on display at the main South Kensington site.
During her visit, Catherine praised the initiative, emphasizing the enhanced public engagement with historical artifacts. She toured the facility, observing conservation efforts and admiring the breadth of the collection, describing it as “eclectic.”
The V&A East Storehouse, a purpose-built center, aims to democratize access to art, design, and fashion, allowing for a more intimate encounter with the museum’s treasures.
“What a fantastic idea to have all these pieces available for study – so they’re not just stored away,” Catherine remarked, highlighting the opportunity for close-up viewing. “What an opportunity for everyone to see historic pieces firsthand.”
Guided by V&A director Tristram Hunt, the Princess viewed examples of textile conservation, including works by William Morris, whose foliage designs she particularly admired. She also discussed the surprisingly contemporary aesthetic of some historical textiles.
The free-to-visit storehouse includes an “order an object” service, enabling visitors to schedule appointments for detailed examinations and expert discussions with museum staff.
Royal sources stated the visit aimed to highlight the significance of creative opportunities and celebrate the “power of creativity.”
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