Early illuminated depiction of Tower of London to go on display in V&A exhibition

An early depiction of the Tower of London, painted by a French nobleman who spent 25 years behind bars after being captured at the battle of Agincourt, is going on show in a new exhibition.

The illumination, created in around 1483 by Charles of Orleans, is to feature in the show dedicated to Renaissance watercolours at the V&A. It includes more than 200 works, including sketches by Leonardo da Vinci and portrait miniatures by Hans Holbein.

Curator Mark Evans said: “I have dreamed of mounting this exhibition for 20 years and am thrilled at the support and co-operation that made this ambitious project possible.

“Renaissance Watercolours aims to redefine this important subject, bringing together some of the finest examples of watercolour painting.”

The show runs at the V&A from May 16 to September 20.