Beauty, Brilliance, and Craftsmanship: The Expanded Galleries of the Gilbert Collection at the V&A 

This panel brings together Alice Minter, Senior Curator of The Gilbert Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and, Edward Behrens, Editor of Apollo Magazine, in a conversation centered on one of the most remarkable collections of decorative art. The discussion takes place at a pivotal moment for the collection, as the V&A prepares for the 2026 reopening of the expanded Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Galleries, which will nearly double in size as part of the museum’s wider transformation. 

The Gilbert Collection, formed by Sir Arthur and Rosalinde Gilbert, is renowned for its extraordinary holdings of micro mosaics, gold and silver objects, and snuff boxes; objects collected with an exceptional eye for craftsmanship, historical resonance, and artistic ambition. Minter and Behrens explore how such a collection came into being, what it reveals about changing tastes and collecting practices, and how ongoing research into provenance, including Jewish histories, continues to reshape its interpretation. The conversation also reflects on how the expanded galleries open new possibilities for presenting these objects and their layered histories, bringing the collection’s richness and complexity to life for contemporary audiences. 

TEFAF Talks are interactive panel discussions exploring today’s most fascinating topics in the worlds of art, antiques, and design. Paired with leading content partners, these talks showcase the knowledge of leading experts in the broader TEFAF community. This talk is presented in partnership with Apollo Magazine and moderated by Ed Behrens, Editor at Apollo.