FINE FIGURES

The revival of the V&A’S famed plaster-casts

When the V&A first opened in 1852, its imposing Cast Courts were a central attraction. Displaying moulds of classical masterpieces from Greece and Rome, it brought the treasures of the Grand Tour to South Kensington, including Michelangelo’s David and the gigantic Trajan’s Column. Following an extensive restoration and redevelopment, the collections are on show once more, returned to their original splendour. eph www.vam.ac.uk