Princess of Wales Curates Rare Beatrix Potter Artwork and Family Photographs in V&A East Storehouse

Strategic Insights -

In a unique collaboration with the V&A East Storehouse, the Princess of Wales has personally curated a display showcasing a rare artwork by Beatrix Potter, alongside a childhood photograph album of her father, Rupert Potter. This exhibit is part of the museum's innovative open-access storage space, where visitors can engage with the national collection in a fresh and interactive way.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Princess of Wales has curated a display featuring a watercolour painting of a forest glade by Beatrix Potter, personally selected from the V&A's collections.
  • The display includes a childhood photograph album belonging to Rupert Potter, Beatrix's father, offering visitors a personal glimpse into the early family life of the renowned storyteller and conservationist.
  • The Princess's display is part of the V&A East Storehouse's mission to make its collections radically more accessible, with a self-guided experience that will remain on view until early 2026.
  • The Princess is distantly related to Beatrix Potter through Dr. Arthur Lupton, her great-great-great uncle, and shares a family connection to the creator of Peter Rabbit.
  • The exhibit also features other notable items such as Oliver Messel's Fairy of the Woodland Glades costume, a hand-quilted bedcover made in Wales circa 1830--40, and a Qing dynasty porcelain vase from 17th-century China.
  • The Princess worked closely with the museum's curators to handpick objects from the V&A's vast collections that celebrate makers of the past and explore how historical creativity continues to influence modern fashion, design, art, and performance.

Statistics:

  • Over 100 mini displays are nestled into the V&A East Storehouse, offering visitors a fresh and engaging way to interact with the national collection.
  • The Princess's Makers and Creators exhibit will remain on view until early 2026, providing continuous access to the rare Beatrix Potter artwork and family photographs.
  • The V&A East Storehouse has made its collections radically more accessible, removing barriers between visitors and the objects.
  • The Princess is the Royal Patron of the V&A, and her Makers and Creators exhibit forms part of the museum's Order an Object service, which allows anyone to request to view items in the collection, free of charge, seven days a week.

Sources:

  • Catherine Mackinlay article from [Source not explicitly mentioned in the article]