Developments in the display of books at the Victoria and Albert Museum

Abstract

Summary This article records developments in the methods of exhibiting books at one institution over a period of about ten years. It traces the beginning when conservators first became involved in designing and making book mounts to minimise damage during display; covers practical, aesthetic and organizational issues and describes recent ideas and new developments in the quest for a reusable universal book cradle. Alternative mounting methods, both those available commercially and those used by some other UK institutions, are touched on, together with alternatives to displaying the original volume. Curatorial and exhibition liaison issues are discussed, as is how being in a museum context affects decisions. Cost and times are compared for the different display solutions. Risk assessment is used and methods of calculating value, risk and damage are mentioned. Unresolved issues are areas for future work are considered. Throughout, the article is illustrated by examples from the galleries, displays and exhibitions at the V&A. It is followed by a complementary case study by Fiona MacKinnon of the book display element of a recent major centennial exhibition at the Museum of the life and work of William Morris.

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