The Extravagance of 1700s Court Dresses | The Spitalfields Mantua Dress
In the 18th century, Mantua dresses were the height of court fashion. In this video, our experts discuss a rare and spectacular dress that dates from around 1756. It's 210cm…
Monty Don Explores Croatia’s Adriatic Gardens! | Monty Don’s Adriatic Gardens
Croatia’s Adriatic coast hides a garden story shaped by stone, sea, history, and survival. Monty Don travels from Trieste into Croatia, visiting Miramare Castle, iris nurseries, Opatija’s historic parks, ancient…
Getting Dressed as Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 at the age of just 18. She would become known for the mourning dresses that she wore later in her reign but…
Where did your surname come from?
Our last names reveal the lives of our ancestors. Though it's not always obvious, they can tell us where they lived, what they did, what others thought of them, and…
Why a Language Map of the World is Impossible
Map Men attempt to use basic graphic software to chart global linguistics. They explore how national borders, colonialism, and political identity complicate the classification of languages, dialects, and official status.…
Getting Dressed as an Elizabethan Courtier
Under the rule of Elizabeth I, a new kind of courtier could be found in the royal court. Elite gentlemen trying to compete against each other to stand out for…
Wigs, Frills & High Heels | 17th Century Menswear
The late 1600s saw a peak in extravagance in mens fashion history. After years of Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration brought Charles II back to the English throne…
Silks, Crowns & Fairies | Dressing a 17th Century Queen
In 1632, Henrietta Maria attended a royal masque dressed as Divine Beauty. Royal masques were hugely popular in the 17th century. They were theatrical and elaborate parties, with singing, dancing…
How Henry VIII’s Court Ate
In the great dining hall at Hampton Court Palace, the vast Tudor court came together twice a day for mealtimes. Only Henry VIII and certain courtiers would have eaten in…
Unboxing some seriously sparkly Cartier jewels
Join Helen Molesworth, senior curator of Jewellery at the V&A as she unboxes some incredible gems from the collection, revealing a story of 20th century design evolution and global influence…