Secrets of the Museum

Feb 6, 2020

Behind the scenes at the Victoria and Albert Museum, a toy elephant needs urgent TLC, Christian Dior gowns get a new lease of life, and Kylie's dressing room gives up its secrets.

Feb 13, 2020

Behind the scenes at the Victoria and Albert Museum, priceless Raphael paintings give up their secrets. Keeper James gets hands on with Beyonce’s ring and Queen Victoria’s coronet.

Feb 20, 2020

Behind the scenes at the V&A, a Mary Quant mini-dress needs a deep clean for a new exhibition. Queen Victoria's writing case goes on show, and curators acquire the banners of Extinction Rebellion.

Feb 27, 2020

Deep in the museum stores, curator Keith is trying to breathe life into an object of extraordinary craftmanship, an original Stormtrooper costume from the Star Wars sequel `The Empire Strikes Back', from 1980.

Mar 5, 2020

At the V&A, Frankenstein's monster must be brought back to life. Curators discover photographs of the real Alice in Wonderland, and Shakespeare's First Folio is repaired.

Mar 12, 2020

Behind the scenes at the V&A, transporting a unique car is a struggle, a rare medieval jewel undergoes a deep clean, and a work of mosaic art has experimental surgery.

Jul 20, 2021

Behind the scenes at the V&A, a suit from glam rockers Slade needs some TLC, a Michelangelo gives up its secrets and a rare Renaissance watercolour requires urgent attention.

Jul 27, 2021

Some of the largest paintings ever seen at the V&A are unveiled, Manuel’s costume from Fawlty Towers goes on show, and the museum’s oldest teddy bear has a special visitor.

Aug 3, 2021

At the V&A, a rare set of Lucian Freud prints creates a stir, a fragile 600-year-old tapestry is on the move, and a new exhibition attempts to bring Alice in Wonderland to life.

Aug 10, 2021

At the V&A, Shirley Bassey’s favourite outfit must look its best for its debut, a Victorian vase gets a chance to shine, and a rare Chinese paintingbrings huge challenges.

Aug 17, 2021

Behind the scenes at the V&A, Winston Churchill’s despatch box needs attention, it’s removal day for a 350-year-old doll’s house, and a famouspainting by Constable is on the move.

Aug 24, 2021

At the V&A, a Buddhist painting is a mystery, children’s art goes on show, and Josiah Wedgwood’s masterpiece - the Portland Vase - is brought into the 21st century.

Apr 7, 2022

Curator Annemarie prepares a major new exhibition on Beatrix Potter. The V&A holds the world's largest collection of the author's sketches, illustrations and writings, and now Annemarie is hoping the exhibition will highlight Potter's special relationship with the natural world.

Apr 13, 2022

At the V&A, John Constable's landscape prints are revealed, Minnie the Minx takes charge and the memento of a royal love affair goes on show.

Apr 14, 2022

At the V&A, curators must display the museum's biggest-ever object, a bionic hand arrives and secrets of artist Eric Ravilious's work for the Wedgwood company are uncovered.

Apr 20, 2022

At the V&A, Rodin’s sculptures are on the move, curators turn the page on a giant pop-up book, and photographer James Barnor reveals the tricks of his trade.

Apr 21, 2022

At the V&A, the founder of Biba flies in to see a new donation saved from a skip. Josiah Wedgwood’s experiments go on show, and a beautiful fabric unseen for 170 years is revealed.

Apr 27, 2022

At the V&A, a sculpture from Donatello's workshop gives up its secrets, artist Yinka Ilori amazes the team, and designer of the Intercity 125 train Sir Kenneth Grange is celebrated.