The Weston Cast Court, Victoria & Albert Museum
Details
The Cast Courts in the Victoria & Albert Museum were among the wonders of the new South Kensington Museum when they were purpose-built and opened as The Architectural Courts in 1873. They are now restored to their full glory and house copies of some of Europe’s most significant works of art reproduced by specialist cast makers.
Venue
The Victoria & Albert Museum, South Kensington, London, SW7 2RL
Event Organisers
Sarah Bowles and Philippa Barton
Cost
Cost of the visit is £50.00- plus Eventbrite booking fee
Programme
10.30am
Coffee
11.00am
Visit to the Cast Courts with Sarah Bowles and Philippa Barton
The opening of the galleries in October 1873 introduced the visitor to some of the architectural and sculptural wonders of the Medieval and Renaissance periods; The Builder likened the experience to the first glimpse of Mont Blanc. It is only in recent times that the collection, the quality of its architectural setting and the significance of the many casts has been fully appreciated. The visit will explore the fascinating history and taste for cast-making, the stories behind celebrated examples including the extraordinary Pórtico de la Gloria from the Cathedral at Santiago de Compostela, Michelangelo’s David, a gift from the Grand Duke of Tuscany to Queen Victoria, and the full-size casts of Trajan’s column - a monumental feat of cast-making.