RA Collection: People and Organisations
The Victoria and Albert Museum has its origins in the Great Exhibition of 1851, with which Henry Cole, the museum's first director, was involved in planning. Initially it was known as the Museum of Manufactures, first opening in May 1852 at Marlborough House, London, but by September had been transferred to Somerset House in the Strand. At this stage the collections covered both applied art and science. Several of the exhibits from the Great Exhibition were purchased to form the nucleus of the collection. By February 1854 discussions were underway to transfer the museum to the current site and it was renamed South Kensington Museum. The museum was officially opened by Queen Victoria was on 20 June 1857.
The laying of the foundation stone of the Aston Webb building (to the left of the main entrance on 17 May 1899 was the last official public appearance by Queen Victoria. It was during this ceremony that the change of name from the South Kensington Museum to the Victoria and Albert Museum was made public.
The name of the museum was changed from the South Kensington Museum to the Victoria and Albert Museum, on 17 May 1899, on the occasion of Queen Victoria’s last public appearance, when she attended to museum during the laying of the foundation stone of the new Aston Webb building.
South Kensington Museum
Catalogue of the special exhibition of portrait miniatures on loan at the South Kensington Museum, June 1865 - London: 1865
19/3165
South Kensington Museum
Catalogue of the first special exhibition of national portraits ending with the reign of King James the Second on loan to the South Kensington Museum, April 1866 - London: 1866
12/3394
South Kensington Museum
Catalogue of the second special exhibition of national portraits, commencing with the reign of William and Mary, and ending with the year MDCCC, on loan to the South Kensington Museum, May 1, 1867 - London: [1867]
12/3372
South Kensington Museum
Catalogue of the third and concluding exhibition of national portraits commencing with the fortieth year of the reign of George the Third and ending with the year MDCCCLXVII, on loan to the South Kensington Museum, April 13, 1868 - London: [1868]
12/3395