December events at the V&A

CHRISTMAS AT THE V&A Until 6 January 2017 Visit both our South Kensington and the V&A Museum of Childhood sites this Christmas. Inspired by the Museums’ collections and the era in which they were founded, we celebrate with a month of festive displays, tours and trails, family activities, workshops and performances. Read more This Christmas we are also offering 50% discount on exhibition tickets for both Opus Anglicanum: Masterpieces of English Medieval Embroidery and Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear. Simply add tickets to your basket online or come and see us for a visit between 5-23 December (Monday-Friday) to see these exhibitions from just £6 each.

ROBERT H. SMITH RENAISSANCE SCULPTURE LECTURE Wednesday 7 December, 18.30 – 19.30 Donatello’s small bronze relief of the Lamentation is one of the most moving and expressive masterpieces in the Museum. Left with ‘unfinished’ surfaces - as Donatello sometimes favoured in his late career – the sculpture also, unusually, has deliberately cut out voids between the figures. Sarah Blake McHam, Distinguished Professor, Rutgers University, offers new insights into the underlying reasons for this exceptional treatment. Read more and book Free, booking essential    TALK: STEPHEN JONES: SOUVENIRS Thursday 8 December, 19.00 – 20.45 Join the master milliner to celebrate the publication of his charming and intimate new book, Stephen Jones: Souvenirs. Following his career from London's street fashion to international runways, this discussion of Jones' life and career will feature never-before-seen images and behind the scenes insights. Read more and book Includes wine reception In conjunction with Rizzoli   V&A BOOK GROUP: VENUS IN WINTERFriday 9 December, 18.30 – 20.00 Follow the story of Bess of Hardwick as she navigates the court of King Henry VIII in Gillian Bagwell’s Venus in Winter. Read more and book Includes refreshments

OH YES IT IS! TOYAH WILLCOX AND THE GREAT BRITISH PANTO Tuesday 13 December, 19.00 – 20.45 Join actress, singer and celebrated pantomine performer Toyah Willcox as she celebrates one of her and Britain’s best loved artforms. Toyah will be in conversation with Senior Curator and Pantomime Editor of the British Theatre Guide, Simon Sladen.Read more and book Includes wine reception   A HISTORY AND CELEBRATION OF PANTOMIME Friday 16 December, 15.00 – 17.30 Join us as we celebrate the farcical, the colourful and the hilarious on National Pantomime Day 2016. Curators, experts and special guests will explore the history and culture of a national institution. Read more and book     OPEN STUDIOSWednesday 14 December Click here for times Noor Ali Chagani, V&A Jameel Prize Resident Julian Melchiorri, Exhibition Road Engineering Resident Bethan Lloyd Worthington, V&A Ceramics Resident Ever wondered what it’s like inside an artist’s studio, where designers or architects get their great ideas from, or how makers produce their final piece? We regularly host Open Studio sessions where you can meet our current residents and discover more about their practice. Read more Free, drop-in   COURSE: NEW – FASHIONING AND FURNISHING THE ENGLISH COUNTRY HOUSE 1650 – 1920Fridays, 20 January – 24 March 2017, 10.30 – 13.00 Explore the internal and external fashion that made the English Country House a uniquely luxurious and elegant showcase for aristocratic tastes and lifestyles. Discover how precious objects like silver, ceramics, and tapestries were collected and displayed, as you encounter the rituals associated with dining and entertaining. Read more and book   COMING SOON Ray Foulk and the Isle of Wight Festival Friday 13 January 2017, 19.00 – 20.00 Join festival organiser Ray Foulk as he discusses his books When the World Came to the Isle of Wight Vol. 1&2 and hosting legends Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. Read more and book  Wayne McGregor Monday 16 January 2017, 19.00 – 20.45 Join award-winning choreographer and director Wayne McGregor in conversation as he shares his vision. Read more and book Includes wine reception CHRISTMAS MEET AND MAKE V&A Museum of ChildhoodThursday 8 December, 19.00 – 22.00 Eat, drink and be crafty this Christmas at the V&A Museum of Childhood. All levels are welcome to this evening workshop as you chop, stick, sew and stitch together some inspired Christmas decorations while enjoying festive food and drink with friends. Why not flex your creative muscles further and collaborate with The Workbench to create your own hand-carved ring - far too good to give as a gift! Read more YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN      LAZARUS – THE ACCLAIMED DAVID BOWIE MUSICAL: SPECIAL UPGRADE OFFER Directed by Olivier Award winner Ivo Van Hove and inspired by the Walter Tevis novel The Man Who Fell To Earth, Lazarus focuses on Thomas Newton, as he remains still on Earth.  Quote VAUPGRADE when booking online only at Lazarusmusical.com/book to receive a seating upgrade, saving £20 per ticket.  Offer valid for Bands B (£55) and C (£35) tickets only, Tuesday and Wednesday performances through December, subject to availability.   ORCHIDS FESTIVAL  Kew Gardens 4 February – 5 March 2017  The 2017 Orchids Festival at Kew Gardens will be a floral display celebrating India’s vibrant plants and culture. Until December 31 save over 15% on your ticket with promo code: MANDALA Get the offer   VANITY FAIR: SPECIAL OFFER FOR V&A SUBSCRIBERS From entertainment to world affairs, business to style, design to society, Vanity Fair is a cultural catalyst – a magazine that provokes and drives intelligent dialogue and debate. With its unique mix of stunning photography, in-depth reportage and social commentary, it is a compelling read for those who enjoy the grit of newspapers with the glamour of the glossies. Get the offer