Princess Kate took a risk by not following the exact guidance suggested by the V&A East Storehouse museum in London during her royal engagement on June 10. The new museum, which opened to the public just two weeks ago at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London, gives unprecedented access to the V&A’s collections. Visitors are able to get closer than ever before to the over 600,000 objects stored, and see the behind-the-scenes work of the museum.
On the website of the new museum, it offers advice for visitors. The website reads: “We recommend wearing practical clothing and flat shoes. The metal grid flooring is not suitable for stilettos or kitten heels.” However, the Princess of Wales wore stiletto heels and Kate held onto the glass railing as she walked the metal grid floor in order to be careful of any mishaps.
Kate dressed in a chic navy suit by Alexander McQueen, a plain white T-shirt, and black stiletto shoes while she explored many of the museum’s exhibits.
The Princess was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the new museum and learned about the work that goes into conserving and displaying some of the amazing objects stored, including the largest Picasso work in the world.
Created in partnership with young people and inspired by east London’s creative heritage, V&A East Storehouse aims to make our nation’s creative works available to everyone, providing a source of creative inspiration and joy for all.
Kate’s engagement today, her first since May 22, is to highlight the importance of creative opportunity and celebrate the power of creativity to bring us joy.
Kate, patron of the V&A, told its deputy director and chief operating officer, Tim Reeve, “it’s so eclectic” as they stood in a huge space housing objects around them adding: “It’s all part of the process of displaying and curating.”
Mr Reeve said later about Kate: “It’s clear today she really loves the idea of what we’re trying to do, show that back-of-house world and to be a member of the public seeing that behind-the-scenes experience is what this is about.
“She’s obviously fortunate to see quite a bit of the back-of-house world, but I think she really understood today that she was sharing it with the public, everyone is seeing the same space, everyone has that privileged access to our collection.”
Items stored at the site include a drum kit used by Keith Moon, former drummer with The Who, examples of Queen Elizabeth II’s dresses designed by Norman Hartnell, and from September David Bowie’s archive, donated by his estate, will be available.