What is the primary purpose of the National Portrait Gallery in London?

The National Portrait Gallery in London is an art gallery dedicated to housing a collection of portraits of historically important and famous British people. Its core mission is to collect, preserve, and display portraits that represent British history and culture.

When was the National Portrait Gallery established, and what distinction did it hold at its opening?

The National Portrait Gallery was established in 1856. Upon its opening, it was arguably the first national public gallery in the world specifically dedicated to portraits, highlighting its pioneering role in portraiture preservation and exhibition.

Where is the National Portrait Gallery located, and when did it move to its current site?

The National Portrait Gallery is located at St Martin's Place, off Trafalgar Square, in London. It moved to this site in 1896, adjacent to the National Gallery.

Is the National Portrait Gallery in London related to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery?

No, the National Portrait Gallery in London is unconnected to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh, although their remits for collecting portraits of significant Scottish figures may overlap. Each gallery operates independently.

What type of organization is the National Portrait Gallery, and who sponsors it?

The National Portrait Gallery is a non-departmental public body. It is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, indicating its status as a publicly funded cultural institution.

What criteria are used for selecting portraits for the National Portrait Gallery's collection?

Portraits are selected for the National Portrait Gallery based on the significance of the sitter, rather than the fame or importance of the artist. This ensures the focus remains on the historical figures represented.

What forms of portraiture does the National Portrait Gallery's collection include?

The collection encompasses a wide range of portrait formats, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, and photographs. It also features caricatures, showcasing diverse artistic interpretations of individuals.

What is one of the most well-known images in the National Portrait Gallery's collection, and what is notable about it?

One of the gallery's most famous images is the Chandos portrait, widely considered the most famous portrait of William Shakespeare. However, there is some historical uncertainty regarding whether the painting definitively depicts the playwright.

Besides famous portraits, what other types of works are found in the gallery's collection?

The collection includes works that may not be artistically exceptional but hold significant historical value, such as self-portraits by notable British artists like William Hogarth and Joshua Reynolds. It also features important historical documents in visual form, like the group portrait of the Somerset House Conference participants.

What is the significance of the anamorphic portrait of Edward VI in the collection?

The anamorphic portrait of Edward VI by William Scrots is noted for its curiosity value. Anamorphic art is a technique that uses projection or distortion to create an image that only appears correctly when viewed from a specific angle or with a special device, making it a unique piece in the collection.

When did the National Portrait Gallery begin accepting portraits of living figures?

The gallery began accepting portraits of living figures from 1969 onwards. This policy change allowed for a more contemporary representation of notable individuals.

What contemporary activities does the National Portrait Gallery undertake?

In addition to its permanent historical collections, the National Portrait Gallery exhibits a rapidly changing selection of contemporary work. It also stages exhibitions focused on individual artists and hosts the annual BP Portrait Prize competition.

Who are the three individuals commemorated with busts over the former main entrance of the gallery, and why are they significant?

The busts over the former main entrance commemorate Philip Henry Stanhope (4th Earl Stanhope), Thomas Babington Macaulay (1st Baron Macaulay), and Thomas Carlyle. These individuals were instrumental in the founding of the National Portrait Gallery, with Stanhope being a key proponent of the idea.

What role did Philip Henry Stanhope play in the establishment of the National Portrait Gallery?

Philip Henry Stanhope first proposed the idea of a National Portrait Gallery in 1846 as a Member of Parliament. His persistent efforts led to the proposal's acceptance in 1856, with parliamentary approval and funding secured from the House of Commons.

Who donated the first portrait to the National Portrait Gallery's collection?

Francis Egerton, 1st Earl of Ellesmere, donated the Chandos portrait to the nation, making it the first portrait to enter the gallery's collection. He was one of the founder trustees.

What were the early locations of the National Portrait Gallery before it moved to St Martin's Place?

For its first 40 years, the gallery was housed in various London locations. These included 29 Great George Street, Westminster, followed by buildings managed by the Royal Horticultural Society on Exhibition Road, and later the Bethnal Green Museum.

Why was the Bethnal Green Museum an unsuitable location for the gallery's collection?

The Bethnal Green Museum proved unsuitable due to its distance from the West End of London, issues with condensation, and a lack of waterproofing. These factors made it an impractical long-term home for the collection.

How was the funding for the new building at St Martin's Place secured?

The government provided the site for the new building on St Martin's Place after philanthropist William Henry Alexander donated substantial funds (£60,000 initially, followed by another £20,000). Alexander also selected the architect, Ewan Christian.

Who designed the original building at St Martin's Place, and when did it open?

The original building at St Martin's Place was designed by Ewan Christian and constructed by Shillitoe & Son. The gallery opened at this new location on April 4, 1896.

What significant event occurred in the gallery's 'Arctic Room' in February 1909?

In February 1909, a murder-suicide took place in the gallery's 'Arctic Room'. John Tempest Dawson shot his wife and then himself, an incident that later came to public attention through the gallery's digitized archives.

Where were the National Portrait Gallery's collections stored during World War II?

During the Second World War, the collections of the National Portrait Gallery were stored at Mentmore Towers in Buckinghamshire. This was part of a larger effort to protect valuable national art and artifacts.

What was the 'Inspiring People' project, and when did it lead to the gallery's closure?

The 'Inspiring People' project was a major refurbishment program for the National Portrait Gallery. This extensive renovation led to the gallery's closure from 2020 to 2023, with some galleries closing by May 2020 and full closure by July 2020.

What were the key aims of the 'Inspiring People' refurbishment project?

The 'Inspiring People' project aimed for a comprehensive redisplay of the collection, a complete refurbishment of the building, the creation of new public spaces, a more welcoming visitor entrance and forecourt, and a state-of-the-art Learning Centre. The East Wing was also repurposed as gallery space with its own entrance.

Who designed the building modifications for the 'Inspiring People' project, and what was the cost?

The refurbishment, costing £41 million, was designed by architect Jamie Fobert in collaboration with Purcell. The main contractor for the project was Gilbert-Ash.

What notable artistic feature was added to the gallery's main entrance as part of the refurbishment?

As part of the refurbishment, the gallery's main entrance was relocated and now features three new 4-meter bronze doors. These doors are adorned with 45 portraits of unnamed women, created by artist Tracey Emin.

What significant donation did the gallery receive in 2022, and what did it fund?

In 2022, the gallery received a £10 million gift from the Blavatnik Family Foundation, established by entrepreneur Sir Leonard Blavatnik. This donation supported the creation of the new Blavatnik Wing on the gallery's first floor, which houses over a century of British portraits.

Who reopened the National Portrait Gallery after its refurbishment, and what notable acquisition was highlighted?

The gallery was reopened by the Princess of Wales on June 20, 2023. A notable acquisition highlighted was the Portrait of Omai by Sir Joshua Reynolds, which the gallery acquired jointly with the Getty Museum for £50 million.

What is the 'Inspiring People' project's recognition in 2024?

In 2024, the 'Inspiring People' project was shortlisted for the RIBA Stirling prize. This architectural award recognizes outstanding new buildings.

Besides the busts of the founders, what other busts decorate the exterior of the original 1896 buildings?

The exterior of the original 1896 buildings are decorated with stone busts sculpted by Frederick R. Thomas. These busts depict eminent portrait artists, biographical writers, and historians, including figures like Hans Holbein the Younger, Sir Anthony van Dyck, and William Hogarth.

What is the National Portrait Gallery's status as a UK Government body?

The National Portrait Gallery is an executive non-departmental public body of the UK Government. This means it operates with a degree of autonomy while being accountable to a government department, in this case, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

What were the main sources of income for the National Portrait Gallery in 2007-2008?

In the 2007-2008 fiscal year, the gallery's total income was £16,610,000. The majority of this income came from government grant-in-aid (£7,038,000) and donations (£4,117,000).

How many full-time equivalent employees did the National Portrait Gallery have in 2008?

As of 2008, the National Portrait Gallery employed 218 full-time equivalent staff members. This indicates the scale of the institution's operations.

Who was the first director of the National Portrait Gallery, and when did they serve?

The first director of the National Portrait Gallery was Sir George Scharf, who served from 1857 to 1895. He played a crucial role in the gallery's early development.

Which former director of the National Portrait Gallery later became director of the National Gallery?

Charles Holmes, who served as director of the National Portrait Gallery from 1909 to 1916, later went on to become the director of the National Gallery. This highlights a connection between the two major London art institutions.

Who is the current director of the National Portrait Gallery as of the provided text?

As of the provided text, Victoria Siddall is the current director of the National Portrait Gallery, having taken up the role in 2024. Prior to her, Nicholas Cullinan served from 2015 to June 2024.

What legal action did the National Portrait Gallery take against a Wikipedia editor in 2009?

In July 2009, the National Portrait Gallery sent a demand letter to a Wikipedia editor, alleging copyright infringement. The editor had downloaded and uploaded high-resolution reproductions of public domain paintings from the NPG website to Wikimedia Commons.

What was the National Portrait Gallery's argument in the 2009 copyright dispute?

The gallery's position was that it held copyright in the digital images, citing a significant financial investment in creating these reproductions. They argued that downloading high-resolution images without permission constituted a breach of copyright, even if the original artworks were in the public domain.

How did the National Portrait Gallery change its image licensing policy in 2012?

In 2012, the gallery licensed 53,000 low-resolution images under a Creative Commons license, making them free for non-commercial use. Additionally, 87,000 high-resolution images became available for academic use under a license that encouraged donations, a shift from previously charging for such images.

What is the approximate number of images from the National Portrait Gallery's collection that had been digitized as of 2012?

As of 2012, approximately 100,000 images from the National Portrait Gallery's collection had been digitized. This represented about one-third of the entire collection at that time.

What is the significance of the 'Coming Home' program mentioned in relation to the gallery's closure?

The 'Coming Home' program was an initiative where portraits of individuals were loaned to museums in their respective hometowns. This allowed parts of the collection to be displayed across the UK while the main gallery was undergoing refurbishment.

What was the purpose of the 'Crude Truth' protest in October 2019?

In October 2019, environmental campaigners staged a protest called 'Crude Truth' in the Ondaatje Wing. They used fake oil to protest BP's sponsorship of a collection within the gallery, calling for arts organizations to sever ties with companies funding environmental damage.

Who are the artists depicted by busts on the exterior of the 1896 buildings?

The exterior busts on the 1896 buildings depict artists such as Hans Holbein the Younger, Sir Anthony van Dyck, Sir Peter Lely, Sir Godfrey Kneller, William Hogarth, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Sir Thomas Lawrence, and Sir Francis Chantrey. These individuals are recognized for their contributions to portraiture and art history.

What is the total collection size of the National Portrait Gallery?

The National Portrait Gallery houses a collection of 195,000 portraits. This extensive collection spans centuries of British history and includes various forms of portraiture.

What were the visitor numbers for the National Portrait Gallery in 2019?

In 2019, the National Portrait Gallery welcomed 1,619,694 visitors. This figure ranked it as the 11th most visited museum nationally and the 22nd most visited art museum globally in 2014.

What is the location of the National Portrait Gallery, including its postcode?

The National Portrait Gallery is located at St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE, United Kingdom. This central London address places it near other major cultural institutions.

What public transit options provide access to the National Portrait Gallery?

The National Portrait Gallery is accessible via several public transit options. Nearby National Rail services include Charing Cross station, and London Underground stations include Charing Cross, Leicester Square, and Embankment.

What is the official website address for the National Portrait Gallery?

The official website address for the National Portrait Gallery is npg.org.uk. This site provides information about the gallery's collections, exhibitions, and events.

What is the significance of the Blavatnik Wing mentioned in the text?

The Blavatnik Wing, established on the gallery's first floor following a significant donation from the Blavatnik Family Foundation, contains nine galleries. It showcases over one hundred years of British portraits and is a key part of the 'Inspiring People' project.

What artistic contribution did Tracey Emin make to the gallery's recent refurbishment?

Tracey Emin contributed three new 4-meter bronze doors to the gallery's main entrance as part of the 'Inspiring People' refurbishment. These doors feature portraits of unnamed women, adding a contemporary artistic element to the building's facade.

National Portrait Gallery London Wiki: Portraits of Influence: The National Portrait Gallery, London

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Introduction

A National Repository

The National Portrait Gallery (NPG) in London stands as a preeminent institution dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of portraiture. Established in 1856, it was arguably the world's first national public gallery exclusively focused on portraits. Its core mission is to collect, care for, and display portraits of individuals who have shaped British history, culture, and identity.

Strategic Location

Situated at St Martin's Place, adjacent to Trafalgar Square, the gallery occupies a culturally significant nexus in London. This prime location facilitates access and integration with other major cultural institutions, fostering a vibrant artistic and historical landscape.

Governance and Sponsorship

As a non-departmental public body, the National Portrait Gallery operates under the sponsorship of the UK Government's Department for Culture, Media and Sport. This structure ensures public accountability while allowing for specialized governance tailored to its cultural mandate.

The Collection

Criteria for Inclusion

The gallery's curatorial philosophy prioritizes the sitter's historical significance over the artist's renown. Portraits are acquired based on their subject's impact on British history and culture, ensuring a comprehensive representation of influential figures across various eras and disciplines.

Diverse Mediums

The collection encompasses a wide array of artistic mediums, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, and photography. It also features caricatures and other forms of visual representation, offering multifaceted perspectives on its subjects. The gallery houses approximately 195,000 portraits.

Notable Works

Among its most celebrated holdings is the Chandos portrait, widely considered the most famous depiction of William Shakespeare, although its authenticity is subject to scholarly debate. The collection also includes significant works by renowned British artists such as William Hogarth, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and Sir Anthony van Dyck.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Foundation

The establishment of the National Portrait Gallery was championed by Philip Henry Stanhope, 4th Earl Stanhope. His parliamentary proposal, accepted in 1856 with Queen Victoria's approval, led to the gallery's inception. Early supporters and trustees included prominent figures like Thomas Babington Macaulay and Thomas Carlyle, with Lord Ellesmere donating the inaugural piece, the Chandos portrait.

Early Years and Relocations

For its initial four decades, the gallery operated across various London locations, beginning at 29 Great George Street. Subsequent moves included Exhibition Road and the Bethnal Green Museum. These early years saw substantial growth in the collection and visitor numbers, despite the logistical challenges of its transient spaces.

Permanent Home

In 1896, the gallery found its permanent home at St Martin's Place, adjacent to the National Gallery. This move was facilitated by a significant donation from philanthropist William Henry Alexander and government funding for the site and construction, designed by architect Ewan Christian.

Architectural Evolution

Extensions and Developments

The gallery's infrastructure has evolved over time. A notable extension in 1933, funded by Lord Duveen, expanded its capacity. More recently, the "Inspiring People" project, a comprehensive refurbishment and redevelopment program, commenced in 2020 and concluded in 2023. This initiative significantly modernized the building, creating new public spaces and enhancing visitor experience.

The "Inspiring People" Project

Designed by architects Jamie Fobert and Purcell, the £41 million refurbishment included the creation of new galleries, learning spaces, restaurants, and a public forecourt. The main entrance was relocated, featuring three imposing bronze doors adorned with portraits by artist Tracey Emin, symbolizing a contemporary approach to the gallery's heritage.

Significant Philanthropy

The gallery has benefited from substantial philanthropic support, including a £10 million gift from the Blavatnik Family Foundation in 2022. This contribution was instrumental in developing the new Blavatnik Wing, which houses over a century of British portraiture and represents the most significant donation in the gallery's history.

Leadership Through Time

Key Directorships

The gallery has been guided by a succession of distinguished directors since its inception. Early leaders like Sir George Scharf (1857–1895) and Sir Lionel Cust (1895–1909) laid the groundwork for its collection and operations. More recent directors, such as Sir Roy Strong (1967–1973) and Sandy Nairne (2002–2015), have overseen significant exhibitions and institutional developments.

Sir George Scharf (1857–1895)
Sir Lionel Cust (1895–1909)
Charles Holmes (1909–1916)
James Milner (1917–1927)
Henry Hake (1927–1951)
Charles Kingsley Adams (1951–1964)
David Piper (1964–1967)
Roy Strong (1967–1973)
John Hayes (1974–1994)
Charles Saumarez Smith (1994–2002)
Sandy Nairne (2002–2015)
Nicholas Cullinan (2015–2024)
Victoria Siddall (2024–present)

Influence on Cultural Discourse

The directors' leadership has profoundly influenced the gallery's engagement with contemporary art and public discourse. Their tenures have often coincided with major exhibitions, the acquisition of significant works, and strategic expansions, shaping the NPG's role in cultural heritage and artistic innovation.

Public Engagement & Reach

Visitor Statistics

The National Portrait Gallery is a significant cultural destination, attracting substantial visitor numbers. In 2019, it welcomed approximately 1.6 million visitors, ranking it among the top cultural institutions in the United Kingdom and a leading art museum globally.

Regional Presence

Beyond its London headquarters, the gallery maintains regional outposts at Beningbrough Hall in Yorkshire and Montacute House in Somerset. These sites extend the gallery's reach and allow for broader public access to its collection and associated programming.

National and International Collaborations

The gallery actively engages in collaborations and touring exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. During its major refurbishment (2020-2023), its collection was showcased through partnerships with various UK museums and institutions, and exhibitions travelled to Australia and the United States, demonstrating its commitment to widespread cultural dissemination.

Digital Presence & Copyright

Copyright Dispute

In 2009, the gallery engaged in a legal dispute with a Wikipedia volunteer over the unauthorized download and upload of high-resolution digital reproductions of public domain artworks. The gallery asserted copyright ownership in these digital images, citing significant investment in their creation.

Licensing Evolution

Following the dispute, the gallery revised its digital image licensing policies. By 2012, it made approximately 53,000 low-resolution images available under a Creative Commons license for non-commercial use. A further 87,000 high-resolution images were made accessible for academic purposes, often with a request for donations, marking a shift towards greater digital accessibility.

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References

National Portrait Gallery | What's on? | Searching for Shakespeare

History of the National Portrait Gallery, accessed 26 May 2008.

A full list of references for this article are available at the National Portrait Gallery, London Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This content has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence model, drawing upon publicly available data from Wikipedia. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the provided source material, it is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The information presented may not be exhaustive or entirely up-to-date.

This is not professional art historical or curatorial advice. The information provided on this website should not be considered a substitute for consultation with qualified art historians, curators, or cultural heritage professionals. Always consult with experts for specific advice related to art, history, or cultural institutions.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

Portraits of Influence

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction 🏛️

🌟 A National Repository

📍 Strategic Location

🏛️ Governance and Sponsorship

The Collection 🎨

👤 Criteria for Inclusion

🖼️ Diverse Mediums

📜 Notable Works

Historical Trajectory ⏳

💡 Genesis and Foundation

relocations Early Years and Relocations

🏛️ Permanent Home

Architectural Evolution 🏗️

➕ Extensions and Developments

✨ The "Inspiring People" Project

💰 Significant Philanthropy

Leadership Through Time 👨‍💼

📜 Key Directorships

🏛️ Influence on Cultural Discourse

Public Engagement & Reach 🌍

👥 Visitor Statistics

🏞️ Regional Presence

✈️ National and International Collaborations

Digital Presence & Copyright 💻

⚖️ Copyright Dispute

📄 Licensing Evolution

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

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Explore More Topics

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A National Repository

Strategic Location

Governance and Sponsorship

The Collection

Criteria for Inclusion

Diverse Mediums

Notable Works

Historical Trajectory

Genesis and Foundation

Early Years and Relocations

Permanent Home

Architectural Evolution

Extensions and Developments

The "Inspiring People" Project

Significant Philanthropy

Leadership Through Time

Key Directorships

Influence on Cultural Discourse

Public Engagement & Reach

Visitor Statistics

Regional Presence

National and International Collaborations

Digital Presence & Copyright

Copyright Dispute

Licensing Evolution

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice