Researching global mosaics

The V&A Research Institute is investigating the museum’s large collection of mosaics. Many of these objects were collected as inspiration for the museum’s School of Design students who decorated the interior and exterior of the building in South Kensington in the 19th century.

Mosaics have been used around the world for thousands of years as a decoration technique. We are interested in how and why varied cultures have used a range of materials (ceramic, glass, enamel, wood) to create meaningful artworks through this laborious process.

Written by: Simona Valeriani, Senior Lecturer, VARI, NAL and Archives
Published: May 2025

Working Museum