The Princess of Wales takes on creative new role

The Princess of Wales has added museum curator to her already-impressive resume! Catherine curated her own mini display called "Makers and Creators" at the V&A East Storehouse. The display featuring objects chosen by the royal was unveiled on Wednesday, July 30.  

"Objects can tell a story. A collection of objects can create a narrative, both about our past and as inspiration for the future," the Princess wrote in a message accompanying the display. "This display celebrates our past makers and creators and illustrates how much historic objects can influence fashion, design, film, art and creativity today."

"Individual, unique objects can come together to create a collective whole that helps us to explore our social and cultural experiences, and the role we play in the wider tapestry of life," she continued. 

© David Parry/V&A

The Princess worked with the V&A’s curatorial team to choose objects for her display, which include: Oliver Messel’s costume for the Fairy of the Woodland Glades worn by Diana Vere in the Royal Ballet’s 1960 production of The Sleeping Beauty; a watercolor study of a forest glade by children’s author Beatrix Potter and a childhood photograph album belonging to her father, Rupert Potter; a 15th century earthenware tile, impressed with a design of interlacing bands from South Cadbury Church in Somerset; Morris & Co furnishing screen designed by William Morris’s assistant J.H.Dearle in the mid-1880s; A hand quilted bedcover, made in Wales circa. 1830-40; an oil painting entitled "A Woman Holding a Mirror and a Rose" by Anglo- American artist George Henry Boughton; a Qing dynasty porcelain vase from Jingdezhen, China, circa. 1662-1722; and a sculpture by Clemence Dane that is a physical representation of the artist's hands created in the mid-20th century.

According to the V&A, "Her Royal Highness’s display shows how individual, unique objects can come together to create a collective whole that helps us to explore our social and cultural experiences, and the role we play in the wider tapestry of life."

© David Parry/ V&A

The Princess of Wales' "Makers and Creators" display, on view until early 2026, is one of over 100 changing mini displays at the working museum store. Catherine visited the V&A East’s new cultural destination in East London back in June. During her visit to the V&A East Storehouse, the royal mom of three met with the curatorial team and was given a behind-the-scenes tour to see the working store where individuals collect, research and care for objects.

Catherine, who has a degree in the History of Art from the University of St. Andrews, has been royal patron of the Victoria and Albert Museum since 2018.