The Victoria and Albert Museum Bombay: a study in aspiration, cooperation and enervation

  • Alexander Foster

Abstract


The Victoria and Albert Museum and Victoria Gardens is a significant Colonial institution, which reflects the aspirations and failings of the Indian and British elites that controlled late nineteenth century Bombay. The Museum crystallises the responses of these individuals to changes in thinking in Britain and its Indian Empire. As time passed, and each decision was made, the Museum evolved, in reaction to changes in the current social, economic, and political events of Bombay, Britain, and the Empire. Furthermore, the effect of these decisions and the fluctuating changes in opinion were dramatically reflected in the development of the Museum due to the slow progress of the building over a decade from 1858 to 1872.

Author Biography

Alexander Foster

Graduated, with a Masters degree in Asian Art History from the School of Oriental and African Studies (Distinction), and previously gained BA Honours (2:1) in History of Art from University College London and SOAS. I have developed a broad and detailed understanding of world cultures, focused on South Asia, and supported by a passion for travel.

2011 – 2012: School of Oriental and African Studies, MA History of Art and Archaeology, Distinction

 

2008 – 2011: School of Oriental and African Studies jointly with University College London, BA History of Art (Asia, Africa & Europe), 2:1

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Published
01-May-2014
How to Cite
Foster, A. (2014). The Victoria and Albert Museum Bombay: a study in aspiration, cooperation and enervation. The South Asianist Journal, 3(1). Retrieved from http://www.southasianist.ed.ac.uk/article/view/257