Well known for her love of art and photography, the Princess of Wales has just added another string to her bow, turning curator with her first ‘mini display’ for V&A East Storehouse in Stratford. Created following her visit to the V&A’s new public working store when it opened last month, the Princess’ Makers and Creators exhibition showcases objects by historic artists, designers and craftspeople, and examines the way they influence modern creativity.

Hand selected by the Princess of Wales, who is a patron of the V&A, from V&A East Storehouse’s vast archive, among the objects on display are a watercolour painting of a forest glade by Beatrix Potter, accompanied by a photography album belonging to her father Rupert, a Qing dynasty vase dating from the 17th century, and a Morris & Co screen designed by William Morris’ assistant, J.H.Dearle, in the 1880s.

Also on display is a costume designed by Oliver Messel for the Fairy of the Woodland Glades, which was worn by Diana Vere in the Royal Ballet’s 1960 production of Sleeping Beauty, a 19th century quilted bedcover made in Wales, and an earthenware tile dating from the 15th century impressed with a design of interlacing bands from South Cadbury Church in Somerset.

While seemingly disparate, these objects highlight not only the vast breadth of significant pieces held by the V&A, but also how each person’s unique insight can create connections between them that broaden our understanding of our own history and culture.

On display until early 2026, Makers and Creators is one of more than 100 frequently changing mini displays that can be found at the end of each of V&A East Storehouse’s racks. These displays form part of the Storehouse’s innovative Order an Object system which allows visitors to ‘borrow’ any item from the Storehouse for study purposes or simply to get up close to these unique and precious items, while also gaining a better understanding of the work and care that goes in to preserving them.

Makers and Creators is on display now at V&A East Storehouse, visit vam.co.uk