Glamour Via the V and A

30th April 2009

According to The Journal www.journal-online.co.uk The Victoria & Albert Museum of London have agreed that its first branch outside of London is to be opened in Dundee. The proposed scheme has been in the works for some time now, with critics arguing that Dundee is too ‘post-industrial’ to house such a cultural centre. However, it could be argued that this is the perfect reason for putting it here.

Quite apart from the estimated 900 jobs and £1m in revenue it could create (source: BBC News Scotland), the V&A would bring culture and glamour to a city that desperately needs it.

Dundee is a city with great potential, and with a fantastic theatre, centre of arts, university and museum (soon to be reopened). However, what it lacks is a thriving fashion culture and the V&A could be exactly what it needs to bring the extra glamour.

Exhibitions previously show at the London V&A include “Kylie – The Exhibition”, showcasing the star’s various costumes; “Vivienne Westwood – A Retrospective”;  a Versace exhibition and is currently showing an exhibition of Stephen Jones’ hats.

With a track record like that, imagine the amazing opportunity offered by an offshoot location in Dundee. With a proposed two annual exhibitions in collaboration with Dundee City Council and Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art the possibility for exciting fashion exhibitions and generating interest from those within the fashion industry, Dundee could quite literally become the fashion hotspot of Scotland.

Other plans include showcasing comics, animation and computer gaming, as a celebration of Dundee’s best features. Check out the V&A website www.vam.ac.uk for more information on the place itself - but don’t get too excited: it’s estimated that a Dundee branch wouldn’t open until 2013 so for those who want the glamour now, you’ll have to head to London.
Written By: Seonaid Rogers

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