In this book Purcell reflects on tne concept of the monster as anatomical phenomenon and as it is represented through art and explores humanity's age old obsession with mythical and literal monstrosity in a way that is not for the faint hearted.

    Challenging the traditional, scholarly presentation of objects, educators argue that, rather than transmitting knowledge, museums' displays should construct narratives that are determined as much by what is meaningful to visitors as by what curators intend.Lisa C. Roberts discusses museum education in relation to entertainment, as a tool of empowerment, as a shaper of experience, and as an ethical responsibility. The book argues for an expanded role for museum education based less on explaining objects than on interpreting narratives.

    Founded in 1852 as a pioneering museum of applied and decorative arts, today it has incomparable holdings spanning 2,000 years of artistic achievement in virtually every form: ceramics, metalwork, jewelry, furniture and woodwork, sculpture, textiles, paintings, drawings, and prints. "A Grand Design," published in conjunction with a major traveling exhibition, brings together more than 250 of the V&A's finest treasures and recounts the institution's rich and vibrant history. Collectively, these splendid objects illustrate how the museum sought to establish a canon of excellence for the decorative arts by acquiring examples of superior craftsmanship, aesthetic beauty, and artistic merit from many of the world's cultures. Essays by a team of scholars examine the V&A's origins, evolution, and influence. Several major themes are explored, including the V&A's pivotal place in the historical context of the art museum and its changing approaches to the collection and display of objects; the educational mission; the impact of factors such as British imperial history and national patrimony on the museum's collecting practices; and the museum's interest in the art of the twentieth century, including its involvement with contemporary artists and craftspeople. An illustrated chronology using rare archival material from the museum's collection traces the development of this remarkable institution.

    Share in the wisdom and experience that have helped countless nonprofit organizations grow their base of support and go beyond fundraising into true donor and fund development.

    Since its founding in 1933, it has sought to bring before the public the full scope of the dramatic technological changes that have created the modern world. This celebratory volume is the first to make the Museum's landmark architecture, rich history, and lively interactive exhibits accessible to readers everywhere.

    Spectacular ceramics, textiles, metalwork and sculpture from the Chavin, Cupisnique, Salinar, Gallinazo, Moche, Parcas, Nasca, Lambayeque, Huari, Chimu and Inca cultures are illustrated and described, all with colour photographs. Some of the objects are remarkable for the skill of their craftmenship, such as ornate gold and silver jewellery and headresses, others intriguing for the beliefs they reveal, such as an intricate Lambayeque textile featuring elaborate divine beings, others are simply extraordinary, for example mosiac earplugs!