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MAKERS OF THE V&A

This course is presented alongside the Lives of the Great Makers book by Rebecca Knott and James Robinson.

From silversmiths to sculptors, embroiderers to jewellers, this series of nine biographies explore the lives of makers who were unequalled in their craft. Their pioneering designs and innovative techniques reflect their exceptionalism, and their response to the political, industrial and aesthetic movements of the time. This course celebrates accomplished Makers represented in the V&A’s collection, whose masterpieces changed the direction of decorative arts forever.

From the moment you enrol on a V&A On-Demand course, you get 12 months' access to every stunning video lecture to rewatch as often as you like, plus plenty of additional learning materials, yours to keep.
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  • Presented by V&A Curators

  • 9 Video Lectures

  • 2 hours 55 minutes

This course covers:

Charlotte De Syllas: Artist-Jeweller redefining the art of stone carving.

Albert Paley: American metal sculptor, known for monumental ‘gates’.

Jaroslava Brychtová and Stanislav Libenský: Czech contemporary glass artists.

Eileen Gray: Avant Garde interior designer, architect, furniture and lacquer designer.

May Morris: Exceptional embroiderer, and designer of embroideries for Morris & Co.

William De Morgan: Arts and Crafts Designer, Potter and Tile Maker.

Nicholas Sprimont: Huguenot refugee and innovator in early English porcelain.

Anna Maria Garthwaite: Prolific textile designer for Spitalfields handwoven silk.

Paul de Lamerie: Silversmith working in the elaborate Rococo style.

Your tutor

V&A Curators

Sophie Morris, Rebecca Knott, Kate Devine, Maude Willaerts, Florence Tyler, Claire Allen-Johnstone, Simon Spier, Silvija Banić and Kirstin Kennedy

Excellent range and depth - for me, the course is pitched at exactly the right level and I really enjoyed the combination of broad learning with some much more detailed lectures on specific topics. Excellent balance, and wonderful lecturers.

A V&A Academy learner

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