Picturing the V&A

Photographing objects is an important aspect of documenting and sharing collections with our online audiences. The V&A’s Photography and Digitisation Department carries out both traditional photography and advanced imaging.

Some days we might be working on close-up photographs that capture intricate details, which is useful for researchers, curators and conservators. Other days we’ll be managing X-ray modelling to reveal the construction of historic objects, like this teddy bear with light-up eyes.

Written by: Kira Zumkley, Head of Photography and Digitisation
Published: May 2025

Description: ‘20th-Century Fashion in Detail’
Maker: Claire Wilcox and Valerie D. Mendes, Thames & Hudson Ltd

Description: ‘18th-Century Fashion in Detail’
Maker: Susan North, Thames & Hudson Ltd

Description: ‘19th-Century Fashion in Detail’
Maker: Lucy Johnston, Thames & Hudson Ltd

Description: Scarf created using the image of a poster in the collection (museum no. E.112-1921)
Maker: Manufactured for V&A retail

Description: X-ray photograph of a teddy bear (museum no. B.118-2010)
Maker: V&A Photography studio

Working Museum