Royal Patroness Showcases Arts Exhibit: Princess of Wales Introduces Personal 'Mini Display' at V&A East Storehouse
The Princess of Wales Curates a Unique Display at the V&A East Storehouse
HRH The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has taken on a new role as Curator for the V&A East Storehouse, a unique museum concept that opened near the London 2012 Olympic Park on May 31, 2025. The Princess has curated a special mini display within this space titled "Makers and Creators."
The V&A East Storehouse houses an extensive collection of over 250,000 objects, displayed in a visible storage concept across four floors. This innovative museum encourages visitors to embark on a self-guided experience through the hundreds of metres of storage space, with more than 100 ever-changing 'mini displays' available to view on the sides and ends of the museum’s storage racking[1][2].
The Princess of Wales's curated display, "Makers and Creators," brings together nine carefully selected objects that celebrate historical makers and creators, illustrating how past artworks and designs continue to inspire modern creativity in fashion, art, and film. Highlights of her curated collection include:
- A fairy costume by Oliver Messel from the Royal Ballet’s 1960 production of The Sleeping Beauty, featuring intricate embroidery with morning glories, Messel’s favorite flower[4][5].
- A Beatrix Potter watercolour study of a forest glade, dated between 1890 and 1913, considered an unfinished work[5].
- A photograph album from the 1870s-1880s of the Potter family, showcasing early photography featuring Beatrix Potter and her family members[5].
The Princess of Wales's 'Makers and Creators' display is integrated into the storage racks as part of the storehouse’s innovative format, allowing visitors a unique perspective on how diverse individual objects combine to tell broader cultural and social stories. The exhibit runs from July 2025 into early 2026[3][5].
Meanwhile, Rosie Paterson, the Digital Content Director & Travel Editor for our platform, has been busy with her own projects. In 2022, she edited our platform's special Queen's Platinum Jubilee issue and coordinated our platform's own 125 birthday celebrations. Rosie joined the platform in July 2014 after a brief stint in the art world[6]. Beyond our platform, Rosie has written for Mr & Mrs Smith and The Gentleman's Journal, among others. She has also been invited to judge a travel media award and chaired live discussions on the London property market, sustainability, and luxury travel trends. The rest of the office likes to joke that Rosie splits her time between Claridge's, Devon, and the Maldives.
The V&A East Storehouse is open Monday to Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm, and on Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 10pm. Visitors can also take advantage of the V&A's new 'Order an Object' service, which allows them to guarantee time in front of specific objects, and it is free of charge and available seven days a week[2].
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2025, May 31). V&A East Storehouse opens in Stratford, offering a glimpse behind the scenes. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/may/31/va-east-storehouse-opens-in-stratford-offering-a-glimpse-behind-the-scenes
[2] The Telegraph. (2025, June 1). Inside the V&A East Storehouse: a 'working museum' where you can see the inner workings of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-news/12382576/Inside-the-VAEast-Storehouse-a-working-museum-where-you-can-see-the-inner-workings-of-the-Victoria-and-Albert-Museum.html
[3] The Independent. (2025, July 1). Kate Middleton curates display at V&A East Storehouse featuring Beatrix Potter and Oliver Messel. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/art/news/kate-middleton-curates-display-at-va-east-storehouse-featuring-beatrix-potter-and-oliver-messel-b1967415.html
[4] The Royal Ballet. (n.d.). The Sleeping Beauty. Retrieved from https://www.roh.org.uk/productions/the-sleeping-beauty
[5] The V&A. (n.d.). Kate Middleton's 'Makers and Creators' display at V&A East Storehouse. Retrieved from https://www.vam.ac.uk/info/kate-middleton-s-makers-and-creators-display-at-va-east-storehouse
[6] The Times. (2025, July 1). Rosie Paterson: the woman behind our platform's Queen's Platinum Jubilee issue and 125th birthday celebrations. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rosie-paterson-the-woman-behind-our-platforms-queens-platinum-jubilee-issue-and-125th-birthday-celebrations-2022-v5qwj
The Princess of Wales's curated display, "Makers and Creators," extends beyond the fashion and art realm, showcasing a home-and-garden piece – a photograph album from the 1870s-1880s of the Potter family, which provides an intriguing insight into the lives of past inventive individuals. After her visit to the V&A East Storehouse, Rosie Paterson, our Digital Content Director & Travel Editor, might find inspiration for her future home decor, appreciating the distinct lifestyle and creativity embodied in each object.
