The Victoria and Albert

This afternoon we visited the V & A to see their collection of ancient musical instruments, which they announced were being put into store permanently to make way for a fashion exhibition, only to discover that we were already too late. Its a totally outrageous decision, made without any consultation with the music world, let alone the general public. But then I suppose it stems partly from what they see as popular taste, which they believe esteems fashion as a superior cultural good compared with music. Yet the fashion labels are miles too expensive for ordinary people, and some of them are downright ugly (www.alexandermcqueen.co.uk/uk/en/shop/Womenswear/spring-summer-10/Looks/PRE-SPRING-COLLECTION.aspx).

Next thing you know, the V & A will be relegating their statue of Handel to the junkyard. Perhaps it should be taken over by some other institution such as the Royal Albert Hall where it would be safe, and venerated by the musical public.