Victoria and Albert Museum Tour Crash Course

Sue was born a Londoner and has lived in several other cities including Seoul, Berlin and Washington DC. Since returning to London, she has spent the last three years studying its art, architecture, literature and history. Sue holds a research MPhil in History of Art from the Barber Institute, Birmingham University and has specialist knowledge of Victorian Britain through her study of its painting and literature. Her thesis, on symbolism in Victorian Art, focused on the work of the Pre-Raphaelites and she has also made studies in 20th Century American art. Sue is fascinated by London's history and is most interested in the artists and writers who have helped to define it. She loves to recount stories of their lives and works, and their connections with each other and the city.

Kevin Childs has worked as a publisher, an actor and a research consultant. Having gained a first class degree in English Literature at Oxford and an MA at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, he has completed a PhD at the Courtauld examining the ways in which Michelangelo influenced the art of his contemporaries. Although his heart is in the Renaissance, his interests range from Greek and Roman classical literature to the art of twentieth-century Mexico. Kevin has lived in London for over 20 years and has a great passion for the city, its history and all that it currently offers. He has also spent extended periods of time in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, Egypt and Morocco. He writes regularly on art and travel.

Francesca grew up in West Wales, but coming from a long line of Londoners she soon found herself living and studying in the capital. She completed both her BA and MA at the Courtauld Institute of Art, specialising in Aesthetic Movement art and interiors. Whilst studying, she kept herself busy running the family events programme at Westminster Abbey and volunteering on the education programme at Dulwich Picture Gallery. After graduating in 2008, she went to work at the Royal Academy of Arts organising visits to historical properties and collections in and around London. Since 2013, she has lectured on the history of interior design at KLC School of Design. She also works as a gallery educator, planning and delivering workshops that engage young people in the visual arts. She has written widely on exhibitions and private collections, with a recent focus on producing art history learning resources.