Sample of the magnificent V&A

I wandered round the Galleries not paying too close attention to which exhibits I travelled through but heading upwards to the Ceramics Gallery on the 6th floor.
Snippets along the way included an ancient 14th century staircase next to this wall of heads...
which made me chuckle!

Visitors are fed along a curved walled passageway with exposed brickwork and a towering wooden staircase at one end. The drama and of the architecture and expressive lighting of the V&A are something to behold.

The awesomeness of these giant plaster casts are accentuated by the lighting, this photo doesn't do it justice but I hope you get an impression:

Before I knew it I was in the Ironwork Galleries and took the opportunity to gather information about wrought ironwork ready for my Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metalwork Conservation module at University. You'll have to wait until later in the year for that!

This is the Hereford Screen by Sir George Gilbert Scott, incredible:

Gilbert Scott was one of the leading architects of the Gothic Revival.
This term 'Gothic Revival' applies to 19th Century designs based on art and architecture of Medieval Europe

Despite it's prevalence and impact at the time (Gilbert Scott was knighted in 1872) Gothic Revival style remained unfashionable for the majority of the 20th Century and much of Gilbert Scott's work has been dismantled and sold off or fallen into disrepair.

A wider appreciation of Britain's artistic heritage has led to a greater appreciation of Sir Gilbert Scott and this screen has received immense conservation by a dedicated team to be displayed in this spectacular manner. I particularly enjoyed the information provided about the Conservation of the Hereford Screen. Detailing the layers of paint and the discovery of different colour schemes. Photographs of pain layers as well as example of portions that were not conserved are displayed in a cabinet. A piece of wood with the names of the men working of installing the screen visible in pencil I found staggering. It is always worth signing your work it seems!

I realised I have an interest in locks and Locksmithing as I found myself surrounded. It's a shame these examples have to be behind glass, you can't get very close to them (I knocked my forehead on the glass trying to peer in close!) or feel their awesome cold weight.

I enjoy the reflections, shadows and elements of the locks on the far side of the case in this photo:

Here's a clearer image the lock and it's 2 keys:

The tiny locks and keys below would have been made as examples by students to enter the Smithing Guild. So tiny delicate and beautifully functional. There was one lock that was the shape of an street lamp to go with this house and gate like locks and key. Amazed I am.