The Princess of Wales Reopens the National Portrait Gallery

The transformation of the National Portrait Gallery marks the biggest redevelopment project that the building has seen since 1896. The refurbishment programme has seen a comprehensive redisplay of the Collection in beautifully refurbished galleries, including more than 50 new acquisitions, and the restoration of the Grade I listed building. The Gallery will reopen to members of the public from Thursday 22nd June.

The Princess met with Sir Ken Olisa, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London and Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, as well as award-winning artist Tracey Emin, who was commissioned to create an artwork for the Gallery’s new doors, incorporating 45 carved brass panels, representing ‘every woman, throughout time’.

During her visit, The Princess had the opportunity to see some of the Gallery’s new acquisitions, including Joshua Reynolds’ Portrait of Mai (Omai). The artwork, which is widely regarded as the finest portrait produced by one of Britain’s greatest artists, was jointly acquired by the Gallery and Getty this year following a historic fundraising campaign. The two institutions will share the painting for public exhibition, research and conservation care, maximising public access to the work in perpetuity.

Her Royal Highness also veiwed Yevonde: Life and Colour, a new exhibition which explores the life and career of Yevonde, the pioneering London photographer who spearheaded the use of colour photography in the 1930s. Featuring portraits and still-life works produced by Yevonde over a sixty-year career, the exhibition also includes the archive of her work, which the Gallery acquired in 2021, and has been supported by The CHANEL Culture Fund.

Image on top : The Princess of Wales and Dr. Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery. All images : David Parry