The V&A has announced that it's to release images from its extensive collection of photobooks for a new exhibition, which is set to open to the public in the autumn.

The magnificent thing about this new show is that it is a permanent gallery, which will – to keep things fresh – be re-curated every 18 months.

That in itself indicates how extensive the V&A's photobook archives are, and already, images from big names like Diane Arbus, Man Ray and Henri Cartier-Bresson are being readied for inclusion in what is set to be an amazing visual fiesta.

The permanent exhibition is set to be a historical account of photography, from its creation in 1839 up to the swinging 60s.

It's not yet known whether it will document the history of photography over the last 50 years.

Photograph aficionados will love to hear that also on show to the public will be the V&A's oldest photograph, which is of Parliament Square.

The sweeping show will include two In Focus sections, which will showcase the work of famous photographers, and will also display work from contemporary artists.