Unlocked: Self Portraits - To Be or Seem to Be

Self-portraits offer a unique experience, a spy-hole not simply into an artist’s ambitions and uncertainties, but also into their world and society.

The V&A has a fine collection of artists portraying themselves; this Study Day will allow us to explore their achievements through close contact with this most revealing of genres.

V&A Academy Unlocked days invite you behind the scenes, bringing you face-to-face with the V&A's extraordinary collections. Join Justine Hopkins on a visit to the Prints and Drawings Study Room to get up close with some self-portraits that are part of the V&A’s extensive collections. Explore self-portraits that are part of V&A’s Portrait Miniature collection during an curator led object handling session. Enjoy an introductory lecture by V&A Academy lecturer, Justine Hopkins.

This study day is designed to complement our 6 or 12 week long art history online courses, but you do not need to be enrolled on any online course to join an 'Unlocked' event.