Over optimisation
Google, in particular, is thought to have some kind of "over optimisation" filter in operation - especially for sites on new domains.
Known as the "sandbox", this filtering mechanism appears to prevent sites entering the SERPs if they adopt all the basic SEO / linking principles too quickly.
i.e. if a site generates multiple quality links "straight off the bat", it is perceived to have been over optimised, and thus will not be indexed into the SERPs as soon as it might be if it appeared to have a more natural evolution of links.
The V&A site is not going to fall prey to the sandbox effect, as it has been around a long time and are already "credible" and "authoritative" (see the Credibility and Authority section).
It is worth bearing in mind if new sites on new domains are to be developed, though.
