You wouldn’t even dream of showing up at a wedding of the Royal Family or any other event of British High Society without wearing a hat, a mere hairstyle just won’t do. In cases of urgent necessity, there are plenty of prestigious designers capable of solving any and all such problems - from the haute couture creations of hat designer Philip Tracey to the jewels of Laura Catchart, there’s plenty to choose. To start learning a bit more and prepare yourself, all you need to do is take a look at the website of the Victoria & Albert Museum and have a look at its historic hat collection (exclusively online) which spans an amazing 17 centuries. What you discover is that the mere hat does not exist - there are more than you could ever imagine, an infinite number of shapes, all satisfying the most far-flung needs and tastes. You’ll never again think of the hat as a simple accessory. Its magic, its charm, it all depends on the power to transmit messages of authority, affiliation, individuality, property, rebellion and, of course, style.
Paintings, sculptures, textiles and poetry by over 50 artists including Uzo Egonu, El Anatsui, Ladi Kwali and Ben Enwonwu chronicle the achievements of Nigerian artists working before and after the decade of the nation’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960.
After 25 years at the British Museum, an exhibition to explore Hiroshige's art and legacy through a major private American collection, as well as prints, drawings, illustrated books and paintings from the British Museum's collection and other international loans.
In response to the pain and devastation caused by World War II, Alberto Giacometti's works propose a new perspective on humanity and the collective psyche.