Four free exhibitions at the V&A South Kensington

"The V&A has several large paid-for temporary exhibitions, but dotted around the building are a number of smaller free exhibitions worth seeking out. They range from a single display case to several rooms - and all are free to visit. Photography Now Until 12th September (rooms 96-97) A collection of recent acquisitions by the V&A, including, unusually for a photography collection, sculptures."

"Dimensions: Contemporary Chinese Studio Crafts Until 17th September (room 146) Good luck finding this exhibition, as it's in the furthest corner of the museum. And while small, it's an interesting collection of contemporary chinaware, ranging from the very earliest attempts at modern art to the most recent. A section talks about the idea of modern copies of older works, while the main display is more original."

"Tatreez: Palestinian Embroidery Until 31st May (room 42) One small case in the Islamic gallery, showing off examples of historic and contemporary hand embroidery used on Palestinian dress. The items on show represent the regions of Ramallah, Bethlehem and the Southern Coast and sit alongside contemporary embroidered work by fashion designer Zeid Hijazi and artist Aya Haidar. Do read the note by one dress which shows how dresses used to be open-topped, but as society became more conservative, the tops were stitched closed"

The V&A contains several large paid temporary exhibitions and many smaller free displays scattered across the building. Free displays range from single cases to several rooms and cover photography, Palestinian embroidery, contemporary Chinese studio crafts and historical printmaking. Photography Now features recent acquisitions including sculptures and a case of tiny glazed bottles made from ashes of burned photos. Tatreez presents historic and contemporary Palestinian hand embroidery representing various regions and contemporary designers. Dimensions showcases contemporary Chinese chinaware, addressing modern copies and original studio work. A John Constable and David Lucas display explains etchings that made art affordable for wider audiences.

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