Lunchtime Lecture: The Jewish heritage of the V&A

What is the connection between a 17th century marble bust of King Charles II, a 3m-high Japanese Bronze incense burner, and a silver and mother of pearl partridge? Since its foundation in 1855, the V&A has built its collections thanks to multiple donations and acquisitions, notably from the Anglo-Jewish community. Join Alice Minter to finally bring to light the essential role played by these private contributions to build what is today the leading museum of art and design.

Alice Minter joined the V&A as Curator of the Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Collection in July 2018 and has quickly been engaged in researching with the Jewish Heritage of the museum about which she has given public tours and lectures. She co-curated a ground-breaking display: Concealed Histories: Uncovering the story of Nazi Looting Art (6 December – 10 January 2021). She is now leading a complete refurbishment and expansion of the Gilbert Galleries, due to open in late 2025.