Decoding the Collection

We assign every object in the V&A Collection a unique museum number. This is a code that opens doors to the entire history of the item. It helps us distinguish objects and, like a passport, is used to help track their movements.

When an object is requested for study, scientific examination, photography, conservation or display, the number is used to track every step of the process. Museum numbers were at the heart of the process of mapping out the storage for every object in this building.

Written by: Neil Carleton, Senior Documentation Officer
Published: May 2025

Description: Marking kit, including pencils, markers, brushes, acrylic paint
Credit: Purchased by the V&A

Working Museum