Victorian overload

Up with the lark and off to the V&A for a heady dose of Victorian art all in the name of research for my essay. I met up with one of my fellow-students so we could give each other moral support as we waded knee-deep through this quagmire of sacharine sentimentality. The V&A houses the Sheepshank collection. Sheepshank was typical of the new breed of successful Victorian industrialists who invested their cash in art. Prior to that, taste in paintings had been dicatated by the aristocracy and landed gentry, but by the middle of the 19th century, the nouveach riche middle-classes were steering the course of public opinion of what was good art, much to the chagrin of those who believed the narrative and genre scenes they encouraged through their patronage, were bad for British art. So Sheepshank's collection is a splendid example of the taste of that era. It is extraordinary to imagine that some of these picture at the time were so popular that when they were exhibited a police officer would have to stand in front to move the crowds along. Art had never been so popular, and nor has it since. Yet the art that the Victorian's adored is now considered by many to be of little merit as art. But it is fascinating, and often very beautiful.

We also had a wander in the atmospheric art library, and I joined up so that I can come here and order books. What a great place to sit and study Victorian stuff. Finally we visited the British Art galleries where we came across Landseers and all kinds of fascinating items - like the models for the Albert Memorial and the Crystal Palace, alongside some nausea-inducing artefacts which formed part of the Great Exhibition. Definitely worth a repeat visit.

Onwards to Millbank and after a spot of luncheon, more Victorian art courtesy of Tate Britain. Slightly concerning to see some gaps on the walls with notes to say that pictures had been removed due to 'water ingress'. Not good - especially as one of them was The Awakening Conscience by Holman-Hunt. Still, plenty to look at including Millais, Egg, Burne-Jones, Rosetti, Hughes and Mulready. Not sure about Mulready though. I was taken with the Fildes which I don't think I had noticed before. The bookshop beckoned, but once again I resisted. It was good to get out in the fresh air for a run with Jude - I think I overloaded on art today. The perfect antidote? IACGMOOH!