Objects and Empire: Museums and the Politics of Ownership

Confronts the V&A’s imperial past through 12 powerful object histories that illuminate the urgent ethical challenges of restitution and decolonization today

The history of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is intimately connected to the story of British imperialism. From its founding moment at the 1851 Great Exhibition—with its celebratory display of colonial treasures—to its position as a repository for the loot and booty, as well as gift and purchases, of various military and scientific...