From its early beginnings in the mid 19th century, as part of the London area dedicated to arts and sciences – Albertopolis – the Victoria and Albert Museum has set the benchmark by which decorative arts museums are measured globally. KCWC is honoured to welcome its director, Dr. Tristram Hunt, revealing how the museum is ensuring its founding commitment to public education in art, design and industry. Constantly evolving its pioneering mission, and expanding its world class collections spanning centuries of human creativity in multiple media, the V & A is not alone in its struggles during this period of financial anxiety and social isolation. Dr. Hunt will explore how the museum is pursuing its ethos remains vital considering too the strains on other arts institutions.

Prior to joining the museum, Dr. Tristram Hunt was MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central and Shadow Secretary of State for Education. He has a PhD from the University of Cambridge and is the author of several books most recently, “The Lives of the Objects” the story of the South Kensington Collection. Since assuming the post of Director in 2017, Dr. Hunt has focused on support for design education in UK schools alongside a transition to a multi-site museum for the V and A’s various branches. This promises to be a very informative programme from a recognised world leader in arts education.