THE ARTS SOCIETY HIGHGATE – LONDON EXCURSION (90mins approx.)
A Private Tour of the Rosalinde & Arthur Gilbert Collection at the V&A.
“a fabulous treasure trove that must be seen to be believed.” (The Guardian – March 2026)
Join the curatorial team at the V&A for a private tour of the newly reopened Gilbert Collection. Seven permanent galleries explore craft skills and techniques, material culture and the history of collecting. Each object reveals captivating stories about its makers, past owners and the context in which it was created. Multisensory experiences bring the collection to life through touch, scent, sound and video.
Sir Arthur and Rosalinde Gilbert formed one of the world’s most outstanding private collections of decorative arts, comprising glass and stone mosaics, portrait enamel miniatures, gold boxes and silver. Meant ‘for everyone’ the collection has been at home in the V&A since 2008. We will explore its stunning redisplay and hear about the refurbishment project and the concepts behind the new expansion.
Meet on the V&A’s Ceramic Staircase, in time for a 11:15am start on Wednesday 14th October.
Cost: £22.00 per person. Organiser: Nick Curry (nick@c7m.co.uk; 07717 948975)
Places are limited. Details of payment will be sent on confirmation of a place in the group.