& Other Stories sweater
Wilfred dress
Aldo boots
Chanel handbag (similar)
Celine sunglasses
Pamela Card Jewelry earrings
Location: The Victoria and Albert Museum – London, England
Photos by Gwen Kortsen
I thought I’d been to the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. I remember putting it on my travel itinerary when I was planning to visit London and Paris with Mom in twelfth grade. What I forgot was the events that transpired on that trip. We got the train from Henley, where we were staying with my aunt, to London – or so we thought. But we wound up in Reading, had to turn around, travel back to Henley and get the right train – one that actually went to London – which ate up most of the morning. We missed the museum. By the time we got into the city, there wasn’t enough time to even make an attempt to get there. And as soon as I walked through its doors last autumn, I knew – if I’d been here, I would have remembered.
My tastes ran much more towards forced femininity in those days. Pink was my favourite colour, and I wore it like I had something to prove. Still, I know that I would have been awed by the marble staircases and columns in the V&A. It’s hard not to be, no matter your personal style or aesthetic. As works of architecture go, they’re breathtaking as much because of their ambition as their beauty. It’s rare, to see so much white marble outside of an ancient Greek or Roman ruin. And yet, it’s there, in South Kensington – and entry is free. Visitors can just walk in whenever they like, a concept that never feels any less fairytale-like to me.
I mean, honestly – imagine it. A whole world of artwork that is completely accessible to anyone who wants to see it, almost anytime. Even after all the months and years we’ve spent in Paris, the novelty of being able to just walk into museums never wears off for me.
After visiting the Courtauld Gallery last year, I was eager to discover more museums and galleries in London this year. And while I managed to get to several, the Victoria & Albert was my favourite by far… and not just because of the marble staircases, although they were certainly part of the appeal. The V&A houses a collection that focuses on art, design and performance, which means everything from sculptures to stone work and frescos to cultural artifacts and fashion collections. In summary, it’s all the things that appeal to me in one (very large) historic building (which, of course, also rank high on the list of things I love.) To say I was smitten would be an understatement.
Of course that means I was far too busy taking it all in to get many photos. I walked around with my neck craned upward almost all afternoon, trying to see everything, my camera slung over my shoulder by mostly ignored. It happens. The experience is more important than the photos, sometimes. I’m grateful to Gwen for taking this series, though – I would have been disappointed in myself when I got back home if I didn’t have at least a couple snapshots of the masterpiece that is this sculpture-dotted staircase.
It’s January now that I’m looking back on these photos – a long, cold month that is most often devoid of excitement and inspiration. Upon reflection, while I admittedly count the days until our next adventure, I can’t help but think that, often, we find ourselves in the places were meant to be exactly when we’re meant to be there, not before. Of course the Victoria & Albert would have impressed seventeen-year-old me, but she would not have loved it the way that I loved it last November. I’m not a patient person, generally. But I do think it’s better to wait until we’re truly ready for something, whatever it may be, and can properly appreciate it. There’s a time and place for everything, after all. We never miss what we were meant to find.
Love your long neck and a beautiful face with massive eyes Cee, shame you’re not wearing pumps!