Treasures of the Royal Courts: Tudors, Stuarts, and the Russian Tsars

Clever exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum looking at trade and diplomacy between England and Russia in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The basis of the exhibition was a loan from Russia of an amazing collection of silver which had been given to Russia as diplomatic gifts in this period. These were items which could have been melted down in the Civil War if they had not gone abroad so they are almost unique pieces.

Around this loan the museum then used other objects to discuss what the Tudor and Stuart courts were like and the role of diplomacy. I liked the display of armour beside an armorers record book. I loved the little chain mail ankle socks!

The best item was a beautiful portrait of Thomas Smith, governor of the Muscovy Company and the best fact I learnt was that the pelicans in St James Park are descended from those given to Charles II by the Then Tsar! I’ll save that one up for a pub quiz!

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