Supplementary memorandum submitted by
the V&A
I wanted to write to you about an important
development concerning the Theatre Museum. The V&A and Royal
Opera House have been unable to take forward a partnership for
a new centre on the site of the Theatre Museum in Covent Garden.
The main obstacle has been the investment necessary to transform
the current building into a suitable space for the future and
the ongoing running costs.
The V&A Trustees will now review the situation,
but it is likely that the Theatre Museum will close in January.
The V&A is proposing a new programme for its theatrical collections.
This will include a new gallery at the V&A in South Kensington,
touring displays, education activities and a major exhibition
in 2009 of the collection's Diaghilev and Ballets Russes costumes,
designs and stage cloths to mark the centenary of the first performance
of the Ballets Russes.
The V&A recognises the disappointment this
announcement will cause, particularly to those in the theatrical
community who would like the Theatre Museum to remain in Covent
Garden.
However, I wish to assure you that we remain
totally committed to safeguarding and displaying these wonderful
collections which celebrate Britain's unique theatrical heritage
in costume and stage design.
I hope that we will soon be able to announce
a full programme and that you will accept our invitation to come
and hear more about how we intend to display the collections in
future.
26 September 2006
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