Anna Wu

Anna is currently working towards a PhD on the V&A/RCA History of Design programme, supported by an AHRC studentship. Her research focuses on Chinese wallpapers of the type exported to Europe from the late seventeenth century onwards and traces their development, global influence and enduring appeal through several cases studies. Made by Chinese craftsmen ostensibly for European and American markets Chinese wallpapers reflect multiple cultural traditions, influences and aesthetic preferences and provide unique insight into the mechanisms of global cultural exchange from the early modern period to the present day. 

Before embarking on her PhD Anna worked as Assistant Curator for the Chinese collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum (2007-2012), where she worked on a wide variety of projects, including the complete refurbishment and re-display of the ceramics galleries, refurbishment of the China gallery and re-display of the Korea gallery. Anna has curated permanent displays for the V&A’s China gallery and ceramics galleries as well as several temporary exhibitions and displays including, Chiang Yee: The Silent Traveller (2012) and Ai Weiwei: Dropping the Urn (2011–2012). In 2012 Anna was seconded to the V&A’s exhibitions department to work on the major exhibition David Bowie is. 

Anna holds degrees from the University of Cambridge (M.Phil) and the University of St Andrews (MA Hons) as well as a post graduate diploma in Asian Art (British Museum/Royal Holloway).