The Victoria and Albert Museum, London, was founded in 1837, and since that time it has grown to be one of the world's greatest museums. This lasting celebration of this unique and much-loved institu­tion reveals the often surprising range of its collections, and is a fascinating introduction to its treasures. The V&A's riches include ancient textiles, modern chairs, sculpture by Michelangelo, paintings by Constable and Raphael, photographs by Cartier-Bresson, fabulous Indian jewelry and miniatures, 10" platform heels by Vivienne Westwood, wallpaper designs by William Morris, Leonardo's Codex Forster I, and more than 34,000 ceram­ics. The chronological and cultural ranges of the V&A's collections and displays offer many different perspectives. The objects can be seen as examples of craftsmanship and design, as witnesses to history and culture, or simply as superb works of art - things of beauty in and of themselves.