V&A: Ballgowns and British Design

Last week I went with my lovely dad to the V&A to see Ballgowns: British Glamour since 1950 and British Design 1948-2012. There is something very special about the V&A, and everytime I go there I discover something new, even if it's been there for years. 

In the Ballgowns exhibition I felt as if I was in a lifesize dolls house (in a non creepy way) or had accidentally walked into a princesses bedroom! Dad was brave enough to go in but I think all the pearls and ruffles got too much for him as after a few minutes he quietly told me he'd go and wait outside! Although the dresses were beautiful and it seemed like any little girl's paradise ('Mummy, mummy, look at that dress! No, no, look at that dress!'), I think the most wonderful part was a small white wall that had short films projected onto it such as dresses being modelled for the queen.

After a drink and rocky road (yum) outside in the stunning courtyard- that was back when it was sunny- we went into the British Design exhibition. It looks at the changes in design from 1948, when we had the first Olympics after the war, to 2012 when we've got the Games again. The mix of sculptures, dresses, paintings, posters, miniature buildings and even a set of traffic lights is astonishing but slightly overwhelming and somehow it doesn't all seem to fit together. For me, it wasn't an extremely memorable exhibition, but it was much more up dad's street.

 One of the best things about London, for me, is the art. Museums and galleries are free (or at least the majority are) and exhibitions are never outrageously expensive, meaning you can save your money and instead spend it on delicious cakes or inspiring catalogues and books! It's wonderful to be able to hop on the Tube and go to any gallery you choose, then spend the rest of the day sauntering around the streets, discovering old and new treasures, and generally having a lovely day!