Victoria and Albert Museum - October at the V&A

V&A INDIA FESTIVAL This autumn a series of exhibitions, displays, events and digital initiatives explore the rich and varied culture of South Asia, both past and present. The V&A India Festival marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Museum’s Nehru Gallery, which displays some of the most important objects from the South Asian art collection produced between the 16th and 19th centuries. Read more #vamIndiaFestival

*OPENING THIS MONTH* FABRIC OF INDIA 3 October 2015 – 10 January 2016 The first major exhibition to explore the dynamic and multifaceted world of Indian handmade textiles from the 3rd to the 21st century. From stunning historic costume and highly prized textiles for international trade to cutting-edge fashion. Discover the astonishing skills and variety evident in India’s incomparably rich textile tradition and its new relevance in the modern world.  Read more and book Supported by Good Earth India; with thanks to Experion and NIRAV MODI #FabricofIndia   SHOES: PLEASURE AND PAIN Until 31 January 2016 Sponsored by Clarks Step inside our major fashion exhibition and explore over 200 pairs of the most extreme shoes, from a dazzling range of historic designs to the latest exceptional innovations. Discover a history of shoe design spanning more than 3,000 years with our interactive timeline online before your visit. Read more and book Supported by Agent Provocateur; With additional thanks to the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers #vamShoes     NADIA SWAROVSKI Tuesday 13 October, 18.30 – 20.00 Join Nadja Swarovski, a Member of the Executive Board of Swarovski and the great-great granddaughter of Daniel Swarovski, who founded the crystal business in 1895. To mark the publication of the first book about her family business, Nadja will discuss her passion for crystal and her collaborations with some of the foremost artists and designers working today. Read more   EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THEATRE Saturday 3 October – Sunday 4 October, 11.00 – 16.00 Explore 4000 years of theatre history from Greek Tragedy to medieval drama through to Shakespeare, Ibsen, Wilde, Pinter and Stoppard. Read more   I LOVE MUSEUMSMuseums are facing challenging times. To show how much museums matter, the National Museum Directors’ Council has launched a campaign celebrating the support offered by the public to cultural institutions. Find out more and share your love   SHOP PRODUCTS INSPIRED BY FABRIC OF INDIA To celebrate the V&A India Festival, the V&A Shop presents a collection of beautiful scarves showcasing a rich and diverse range of distinct styles, specialist techniques and authentic materials sourced from artisans across India.Read more   WHEN SOAK BECOMES SPILL by SUBODH GUPTA 23 October 2015 – 31 January 2016  As part of the V&A India Festival, Subodh Gupta, one of India's most prominent contemporary artists, has created the thought provoking installation 'When Soak Becomes Spill'. Read more  RICHARD LEAROYD: DARK MIRROR 24 October 2015 – 14 February 2016 Photography, Room 38a See eighteen unique and large-scale portrait and still-life photographs made between 2008 and 2014 by British photographer Richard Learoyd. His works captivate viewers with their quiet power and mesmerising detail, which is achieved through an innovative process. The subjects and themes of the images act as a contemporary complement to the ‘Julia Margaret Cameron’ exhibition opening 28 November. Read more Admission free     V&A MUSEUM OF CHILDHOOD ON THEIR OWN: BRITAIN’S CHILD MIGRANTS 24 October 2015 - 12 June 2016An exhibition telling the heart-breaking true stories of Britain’s child migrants who were sent to Canada, Australia and other Commonwealth countries between 1869 and 1970. Featuring photography and personal items which belonged to child migrants, as well as video and audio which recount this period of history.Read more    ALSO IN LONDON... WELLCOME COLLECTIONANN VERONICA JANSSENS 15 October 2015 – 3 January 2016 This installation explores light and colour as Janssens invades the gallery with coloured mist, launching ‘States of Mind’, a year-long investigation into the experience of human consciousness. Read more   BFI SOUTHBANK MIRRORING TARKOVSKY 19 October - 19 November 2015 Don’t miss the BFI’s screenings of Tarkovsky’ s magnificent seven feature films -all shown in gorgeous new digital prints. Highlights include Mirror –Tarkovsky’ s greatest film is as close to poetry as cinema gets.Read more