Channel: Victoria and Albert Museum

Category: Education

Tags: japanedward poynterbirdssunpoynter roomtilesrustcastornamentsolutionrefreshment roomhart and sondesigncastingworld firstvictorian19th centurydustdecorationrestoration1800sbrushwavesenglandprocessvictoria and albert museummetalworkrestaurantwaxingbrasshart & sonwaterwaxv&a1800conservationcafemuseumcopper alloyindividually castedbuffingeagleirongrill

Description: Home to a trio of refreshment rooms, the V&A was the first museum in the world to have a public restaurant. Inside one of these – the Poynter Room – is an ornately decorated cast iron and brass grill, designed by Sir Edward Poynter in 1866. Join Senior Curator Alicia Robinson and Senior Metals Conservator Donna Stevens as they undertake a conservation project to recreate the magnificence of the metalwork. Firstly they examine the details depicting Tudor roses, eagles, Japanese-inspired suns and waves, before brushing off loose dust, applying solution to areas of rust, and finally waxing and buffing the grill to return its shine. Find out more about the story behind the world's first museum cafe: vam.ac.uk/articles/a-first-of-its-kind-history-of-the-refreshment-rooms