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Points of View: V&A Histories of Photography
Online course
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Main image: Liz Johnson Artur, LJA 46.973, C-type print, V&A: PH.1209-2022; Eadweard Muybridge, Man Pole Vaulting, 1889, collotype, V&A PH.683-1889; Gustave Le Gray, The Tugboat, 1856. Albumen print, V&A: 68000
This history of photography course explores some of the key themes and contrasting viewpoints that have emerged from photography’s beginnings until the present. Taught by V&A curators with invited guest speakers, and drawing from original examples from the museum’s collection, it provides an opportunity to engage more deeply with photography’s multiple meanings and possibilities.
Learn from our world-class experts wherever you are, whenever suits you: watch lectures live or view the recording later in your own time. You can experience the full breadth and depth of the V&A's collections with 12 hours of study over 6 weeks. Learn at your own pace: lecture recordings and study materials, lecture notes, copies of the presentations, and additional study materials are available in our secure Microsoft Teams environment for 6 weeks after the course ends, so you'll never miss a thing. And finally, join the conversation: share your perspective with your fellow students, and support each other in your further enquiries outside of class time.
Main image: Liz Johnson Artur, LJA 46.973, C-type print, V&A: PH.1209-2022; Eadweard Muybridge, Man Pole Vaulting, 1889, collotype, V&A PH.683-1889; Gustave Le Gray, The Tugboat, 1856. Albumen print, V&A: 68000
V&A Senior Curator of Photography
Martin Barnes
Martin Barnes is Senior Curator of Photography at the V&A. Since 1997 he has been researching and building the collection and devising exhibitions. His books and exhibitions include: Cameraless Photography (2018) and Maurice Broomfield: Industrial Sublime (2021). His special interests include 19th century and contemporary experimental photography.
All the lectures have been really inspiring and interesting and it's so good to listen to people talk about the topic with such knowledge and passion. Previous V&A Academy Online Course Attendee
Course overview
Photography is both a process and a tool of perception. It has the capacity to transcend language and connect across cultures. We can simply consume and enjoy the images that now constantly surround us. But an informed understanding of photography – its history, techniques, practitioners and visual language – empowers us socially, intellectually, emotionally and imaginatively.
With a history of collecting photography for more than 170 years, and a new Photography Centre completed this year, the V&A is one of the world’s greatest resources for studying the medium. This photography course explores some of the key themes and contrasting viewpoints that have emerged from photography’s beginnings until the present. Taught by V&A curators with invited guest speakers – and drawing from original examples from the museum’s collection – it provides an opportunity to engage more deeply with photography’s multiple meanings and possibilities.
V&A Academy Online. A learning environment you can trust.
V&A Academy Online courses are built using the latest Microsoft software. Tune in to expert lectures live, or catch up later on demand. Download handouts and presentations. Join the discussion in a secure, closed class environment, wherever you are.
Enrol now
Online course: Points of View: V&A Histories of Photography
22 September 2023 - 27 October 2023
£120.00
Call to book +44 (0)20 7942 2000
Need help enrolling? Talk to the admissions team:
+44 (0)20 7942 2000
Open 10.00 - 13.00, Monday to Sunday (closed 24-26 December)
