Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
WHAT’S ON March – May 2015
WelcomeAbout the GalleryThe National Portrait Gallery is home to the largestcollection of portraits in the world and celebrates thelives and achievements of those who have influencedBritish history, culture and identity.
With over 2,000 portraits on display, and over 115,000available to view online, the Gallery’s Collection spansover 500 years from the Middle Ages to the presentday. Sitters range from William Shakespeare throughto Amy Winehouse and the Collection includes workacross all media by artists from Holbein to Hockney.
Audio Visual Guide £3
Available from the Information Desk in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Featuring interactive maps, short films, exclusive interviews and themed tours. Family Audio Visual Guides are also available, charges apply.
Gallery App £1.19Available from iTunes. A perfect addition to your visit with video introductions, Collection highlights and floorplans.
Portrait Explorer – Digital SpaceExplore the Collection using the interactive touchscreens to create your own tours, watch interviewswith artists and sitters, and discover more about your favourite portraits.
Map Suggested donation £1Pick up a map to help plan your visit, including ideas for 30 min highlights up to an in-depth two hour exploration.
Visitor Guide £5Available from the Gallery Shop. Highlights key portraits through high-quality colour reproductions and fascinating stories.
Exhibitions
Sargent: Portraits of Artists and Friends12 February – 25 May 2015Wolfson Gallery
John Singer Sargent (1856 – 1925) was the greatestportrait painter of his generation. Acclaimed on bothsides of the Atlantic, he was closely connected tomany of the other leading artists, writers, actors andmusicians of the time. His portraits of these friendsand contemporaries, including Auguste Rodin, ClaudeMonet and Robert Louis Stevenson, were rarelycommissioned and allowed him to create moreintimate and experimental works than was possiblein his formal portraiture.
This major exhibition of over seventy portraits spansSargent’s time in London, Paris, Boston and New Yorkas well as his travels in the Italian and Englishcountryside. Important loans from galleries andprivate collections in Europe and America make this anunmissable opportunity to discover the artist’s most
daring, personal and distinctive portraits.
#NPGSargent
Tickets Including donation: £16 (Concessions£14.50)Seniors £13.50 every Wednesday.Students £13.50 every Tuesday.Standard prices also available.
Free for Members
Book now npg.org.uk/sargent, call 020 7766 7344 or visit the Gallery in person.
PublicationsSargent: Portraits of Artists and Friends exhibitioncatalogue by curator Richard Ormond, specialGallery price £35 hardback.
John Singer Sargent: Painting Friends by BarbaraDayer Gallati, £10 paperback.
Last admission is one hour before the Gallery closes.
Sponsored by Close Brothers.This exhibition is made possible through support from the Terra Foundation for American Art.
With the generous support of the Blavatnik Family Foundation.Supported by the American Friends of the National Portrait Gallery, London and the Sargent Exhibition Supporters Group.
Wellington: Triumphs, Politics and Passions12 March – 7 June 2015Porter Gallery
The Duke of Wellington’s long life spanned theeighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Most famousfor his military career which culminated with victoryover Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo in 1815,Wellington also served twice as Prime Minister andhis political career was regularly caricatured byprintmakers.
Highlights of the exhibition, which is drawn frommuseums and private collections, include a youthfulportrait by John Hoppner, Goya’s painting of Wellingtonstarted in 1812 but later modified to recognise furtherbattle honours and a daguerreotype by AntoineClaudet, in the new medium of photography, takenon Wellington’s 75th birthday in 1844.
The exhibition will also illustrate the role of visualculture in creating such a hero, and conclude with anexamination of the reappraisal of Wellington’s lifethat took place at his death.
#DukeOfWellington
Admission freenpg.org.uk/wellington
Wellington: Triumphs, Politics and Passions exhibition catalogue by Paul Cox with a foreword by William Hague, £15 paperback
Supported by the Wellington Exhibition Supporters Group
BP Portrait Award 201518 June – 20 September 2015Wolfson Gallery
The BP Portrait Award is the most prestigiousinternational portrait painting competition in theworld and the annual exhibition showcases fifty-fiveoutstanding and innovative new portraits selectedfrom over 2,000 entries.
From informal and personal studies of friends andfamily to revealing images of famous faces, the freeexhibition features a variety of styles and approachesto the contemporary painted portrait and continues tobe an unmissable highlight of the annual art calendar.
#BPPortrait
Admission freenpg.org.uk/bp
BP Portrait Award 2015 exhibition catalogue withan essay by Neil Gaiman, £9.99 paperback
Supported by BP
Coming soonAudrey Hepburn: Portraits of an Icon2 July – 18 October 2015Book nownpg.org.uk/hepburn#Hepburn
DisplaysThe changing programme of displays provides fresh opportunities to discover the Gallery’s rich and varied collections. The displays highlight a range of themes, sitters and artists, as well as significant anniversaries and acquisitions.
Floor 2Room 3The Tudors Reimagined: George Perfect HardingThis display explores the fashion for historicalportraits in the early 19th-century by pairingwatercolours of Tudor sitters made by GeorgePerfect Harding with the original portraits.From 14 March 2015
Room 6Cornelius Johnson: Charles I’s Forgotten PainterProlific and successful in his lifetime, CorneliusJohnson is the forgotten man of 17th-century Britishart. This display looks at a range of his paintings
including rarely seen portraits of the King’s children.From 15 April 2015
Room 16Favourites: Painting and Power, 1600 – 1800A display of three portraits of Knights of the Order ofthe Garter, Britain’s highest order of chivalry. Theseroyal favourites were among the most powerfuland controversial figures of their day.Until 16 August 2015
Floor 1Room 23Old Titles and New MoneyA focus on the late 19th-century phenomenon ofAmerican heiresses marrying into British aristocracy.The display explores how women such as Mary Curzonand Jennie Churchill became charismatic leaders ofBritish society.Until 2 August 2015
Room 24: case displayThomas Carlyle: Historian of HeroesA celebration of the eminent Victorian historian
and literary figure, Thomas Carlyle.Until 10 May 2015
Room 25: case displayPainting Parliament: The Fine Arts Commission, 1841 – 1863This display focuses on the committee of keyVictorian figures appointed to oversee the decorationof the newly-built Houses of Parliament.Until 31 May 2015
Room 28: case display‘The artist’s cause at heart’: M.H. Spielmann, Collector and DonorThis display explores M.H. Spielmann’s discreet butpowerful reputation in the Victorian and Edwardianart worlds; and his exemplary generosity towards the Gallery.Until 19 September 2015
Room 29: case displayHenry Tonks: Studies of the ArtistA showcase of three self-portrait sketches madeon the eve of the First World War by one of themost influential art teachers of the 20th century.Until 12 July 2015
Room 31Suffragettes: Deeds Not Words
Through vintage photographs of key figuresand rarely-seen archival documents, this displayexplores the threat and impact of Suffragetteattacks on works of art in public institutions includingthe Gallery. Taking place shortly before the First World War, attacks on art were part of a wider militant campaign to secure political equality for British women.Until 10 May 2015
Room 31Women and the First World WarThis display explores the various roles women playedduring the war through a selection of photographicportraits, including the martyred nurse Edith Cavelland the Serbian soldier Flora Sandes.Until 1 October 2015
Across Floor 1Grayson Perry: Who Are You?Grayson Perry explores contemporary British identitythrough fourteen new portraits of individuals, familiesand groups, made during his Channel 4 series Who Are You?Sponsored by CouttsUntil 15 March 2015
Room 32Jack Smith: Abstract PortraitsContinuing in the INTERVENTIONS series,this display focuses on unconventional approachesto portraiture and features abstract portraits by JackSmith of the composers Harrison Birtwistle and Colin Matthews and the choreographer Ashley Page.From 18 March 2015
Room 33Colour, Light, Texture: Portraits by Matthew Smithand Frank DobsonModernist painter Matthew Smith and sculptor FrankDobson share a concern with colour, light and texture,explored in this display of portraits.Until 6 April 2015
Room 33On Belonging: Photographs of Indians of African DescentThis display of photographs by Ketaki Sheth, one ofIndia’s most celebrated contemporary photographers, captures the Sidi people, an African
minority living in India and raises universal questions about nationality and ethnic origin.From 13 April 2015
Floor 0Room 37 and 37aSnowdon: A Life in ViewThis display celebrates a major gift of photographsfrom Lord Snowdon to the Gallery. Highlight portraitson display include studies of writers Nell Dunn andGraham Greene, actors Julie Christie and TerenceStamp, and selections from Private View (1965),Snowdon’s important examination of the Britishart world.Until 21 June 2015
FamiliesThis winter we have lots on offer for families. Visit our Family Activity Base, open every weekend and during the school holidays from 11.00 – 16.00 to pick up free trails, sketchbooks and drawing tools.
During the Easter and Summer Half Term we have ticketed and drop-in sessions exploring what makes a portrait and how props are used in them.
Don’t miss our new drop-in family activities that take place on the third Sunday of every month. Over the spring season we are offering sessions exploring storytelling, puppetry and clay.
For a full listing of Family activities please see the Events Calendar or visit www.npg.org.uk/learning
Young PeoplePick up a Pencil for ages 14 – 21Take a break from exam revision or studyingat our free Pick up a Pencil drop-in drawingsessions which take place on the third Saturdayof every month.
Work with a professional artist to improve yourartistic practice and creative confidence.Whatever your style or experience, these freedrop-in sessions led by the Gallery’s Youth Forumare fun and interactive.
Upcoming Workshops (all 14.00 – 16.00)Saturday 21 MarchSaturday 18 April
Saturday 16 May
Use a wide variety of materials and discover adifferent part of the Collection each time youvisit. No need to book, just drop in on the day.Check out our drawings on Instagram#PickUpAPencil
Want to find out more?Visit www.npg.org.uk/youngpeople or search ‘NationalPortrait Gallery Youth Forum’ on Facebook.
Late ShiftEnjoy a mix of art, music, drinks, talks, drawing, historyEvery Thursday and Friday18.00 – 21.00 Admission Freenpg.org.uk/lateshift
This spring at Late Shift deepen your understandingof John Singer Sargent, learn more about the Dukeof Wellington and his nemesis Napoleon, listen toThe Gentle Author and hear about the very un-privateprivate life of Charles II.
If you’re feeling creative, join our ever-growing band ofFriday night drop-in drawing artists sketching in theGallery, or try our monthly life drawing sessions in theOndaatje Wing Theatre.
Weekend WorkshopsLooking to improve your paintingor photography skills? Spend a weekendin the Studio, taking inspiration from theGallery to create your own work. Theseintimate classes are led by practicingartists and enable you to develop andgain new skills with expert guidance andindividual tuition.
This spring, work with a model in period dress,investigate depictions of power or experiment withlight and shadow in our range of photographyworkshops. Artist Sadie Lee explores contemporarypractice in painted portraiture, Susan Wilsonrecreates Sargent’s sittings with a Spanish dancerand Alison Kusner creates multi-layered portraitsusing mixed media, collage and printing. Allmaterials are provided by the Gallery.
Visit npg.org.uk/weekendworkshops to find out more and to book your place.
Events CalendarFor further information on all events at the Gallery please visitnpg.org.uk/events
Places on our free events are allocated on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability.
Ticket bookingVisit the website, call 020 7306 0055 or visit the Gallery in person.Discounted ticket price for Concessions and Gallery Supporters.
Young People’s Events(14 – 21-year-olds)To book places in advance please [email protected] or call 020 7312 2483.
Family EventsDrop-in Family Sessions - No ticket required. Separatesessions for ages 3+ and ages 7+. Sessions lastapproximately 45 minutes.
Family Art Workshops - Free ticket required, availableone hour before the event starts on a first come, firstserved basis. Places are limited to 20 tickets per sessionfor children, plus accompanying adults.
WorkshopsSuitable for all abilities, materials are provided.Drawing Activities
Materials are provided by the Gallery at all drawingclasses and all abilities are welcome.
Lectures are held in the Ondaatje Wing Theatre.
Programme is subject to change; please check the website before visiting.
Portrait of the DayTalks take place every day at 12.30. Please check signage on the day or website for details.
March Sunday 1 March13.00 – 16.00 Young People’s Sunday SessionDeeds with Images and WordsCombine illustration, cartooning and collage into‘illustratooning’ and ‘cartollage’ with a side orderof subversive photo editing. Inspired by theSuffragettes: Deeds Not Words and in the run upto International Women’s Day, produce a ’zine/pamphlet/broadside with illustrators Zeel andHannah Dyson.
Thursday 5 March13.15 Lecture Vera Brittain and the First World WarMark Bostridge, the leading authority on VeraBrittain, explores the effects that the FirstWorld War had on her, both in terms of herpersonal life and on her development as a writer.In celebration of International Women’s Day and following the release of the new film Testament of Youth,Bastridge celebrates the life and work of the leading writer and pacifist.
18.00 Guest DJ Neil PrinceListen and unwind at the Late Shift bar as DJ Neil
Prince plays an eclectic mix of chilled out pop andBalearic with a pinch of ‘60s soul.
18.30 – 20.30 Gallery ToursCelebrate the achievements of inspirational womenin the Collection with a series of curator-led tours tomark this year’s International Women’s Day onSunday 8 March.
Friday 6 March18.30 Live Music Jack Wyllie & Adrian CorkerPortico Quartet’s Jack Wyllie and composer AdrianCorker present a series of new pieces developedfrom improvisations on manipulated saxophoneand electronics.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingTake inspiration from the portraits on display andsketch in the Gallery in this session led by artistMarc Woodhead.
Sunday 8 March10.00 – 15.45 The Portrait Choir Singing Day£25/£22Explore choral music associated with the Gallery’scurrent Sargent: Portraits of Artists and Friendsexhibition, including music from composers such asCopland, Ives and Gershwin. There will also be a talk
from a Gallery curator, time to explore the exhibitionas well as a short performance in the Gallery space.The Portrait Choir is supported by Hani Farsi and theMohamed S. Farsi Foundation.
Thursday 12 March18.00 Resident DJ Eddie OtchereOur resident DJ Eddie blends rare grooves withpopular classics to provide a soundtrack to your visit.
19.00 Lecture Sargent in Paris, 1874 – 1886£7/£6Richard Ormond, curator of Sargent: Portraits ofArtists and Friends, investigates his greatuncle’s training in Paris. By instinct a modernist,Sargent responded to the latest trends in French artwhile pursuing his ambition in the traditional forumof the Paris Salon. Artistic success came early, butthe scandal surrounding the exhibition of hisfamous portrait of Madame Gautreau at the Salonof 1884 set back his career, and two years later heexchanged Paris for London.
Friday 13 March
18.30 Live Music Trinity Laban: Daryl Runswick Composition Prize Final 2015Join Trinity Laban’s acclaimed CompositionDepartment for an evening of new music inspiredby Sargent: Portraits of Artists and Friends.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingDraw a portrait in ten minutes or two hours – it’syour choice in this drawing session led by artistGrace Adam.
Saturday 14 – Sunday 15 March11.00 – 17.00 Weekend Workshop Painterly Photographic Portraits£125/£100Photographer Jill Wooster leads this two-daypractical workshop in which you will investigatehow painting has influenced photographicportraiture. Taking inspiration from Sargent:Portraits of Artists and Friends, create photographic portraits with a model in period dress and learn basic lighting techniques to try and mimic a painterly style. You will also learn some simple post-production practices. This courseis suitable for those who already have someknowledge of digital photography and know howto use their cameras in manual mode.
Sunday 15 March13.00 – 14.30 for ages 3+
15.00 – 16.30 for ages 7+Drop-in Family Session Double PortraitsWhat were those good little children in old portraitsreally like? Did they have a secret side? Joinchildren’s book author-illustrator Katie May Greenfor an imaginative portrait workshop with adifference. Katie will start the workshop with areading from her new book Seen and Not Heard.No ticket required. Children must be accompanied.
Thursday 19 March13.15 Lecture Sargent and Impressionism in EnglandScholar Elaine Kilmurray looks at Sargent’s mostsustained experiments with French Impressionism,which took place in an artists’ colony in the heartof the English countryside in the mid 1880s.
18.00 Guest DJ Tim RedfernDJ Timberlina mixes a range of genres and musicfrom across the ages to reflect the Collection – fromspoken word to classical, via jazz, hip-hop, world,prog rock, new wave and contemporary.
19.00 Lecture Napoleon and Wellington£7/£6Historian Andrew Roberts investigates therelationship between Napoleon and the Dukeof Wellington. Although they never met or
corresponded and only fought one battle againsteach other, the Emperor’s life overlapped with that of his nemesis Wellington in many curious and unexpected ways.
Friday 20 March18.30 Live Music Tamsin Waley-Cohen & HuwWatkinsThe violinist and sitter for Sargent, Charles MartinLoeffler, forms the subject of this performance,which features works by George Gershwin amongstothers.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingArtist Robin-Lee Hall leads this drop-in group sessionin the Gallery space, taking inspiration from theportraits on display.
Saturday 21 March14.00 – 16.00 Pick up a PencilDrop-in drawing session for young people with theGallery’s Youth Forum.
Thursday 26 March14.00 Visualising Portraits Portraits by Matthew Smith and Frank DobsonPicture description for visually impaired visitors.Explore this fascinating display of Smith andDobson’s portraits and their shared passion for
colour, light and texture.
18.00 Resident DJ Eddie OtchereOur resident DJ provides a soundtrack to your visit.
Thursday 26 March19.00 Lecture Jack Smith: Abstract PortraitsWhat constitutes a portrait? Assistant Curator LucyWood reflects on the life and work of the 20thcenturypainter Jack Smith, drawing on the currentdisplay of the artist’s work, and considering hisexploration of portraiture using purely abstract,non-descriptive elements.
19.30 Gallery Tour Snowdon: A Life in View BSLJohn Wilson leads a tour of Snowdon: A Life in Viewin British Sign Language.
Friday 27 March18.30 Live Music Quest DuoWith interlocking rhythms and swooping stringmelodies, expect to hear vibrant and experimentalcompositions from the engaging Quest Duo.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingArtist Andy Pankhurst leads our popular free drop-indrawing session in the Gallery.
18.30 – 20.30 Life Drawing Clothed and Unclothed£9/£7Take this opportunity to draw from a clothed andnude life model in the same pose. Artist GaynaPelham leads our popular life-drawing session whichtakes place on the last Friday of each month in theOndaatje Wing Theatre. Suitable for all abilities, allmaterials provided.
Saturday 28 – Sunday 29 March11.00 – 17.00 Weekend Workshop Portrait Paintingis Dead – Long Live Portrait Painting£125/£100Artist Sadie Lee leads a two-day workshopinvestigating the current practice in portraitureof using photographic images as reference forpaintings. You will look at key works in thecontemporary Collection and create your ownpieces using diverse source material – not thetraditional life model. On day two you will bring ina selected photographic portrait to use as the basisfor a final piece, combining some of the techniquesyou have learnt. This course is designed for thosewith a particular interest in contemporary practice.All materials provided.
Monday 30 March
13.00 – 15.00 The Drawing RoomDraw in the Gallery at this artist-led drop-in drawingsession for disabled visitors. Meet in the OndaatjeWing Main Hall.
AprilThursday 2 AprilThursday 2 April13.15 LectureArtistic Commemorations of the Battle of WaterlooExhibition curator Paul Cox explores the efforts tocommemorate Wellington’s victory at Waterloothrough officially commissioned and commerciallyproduced works of art in a variety of media.
18.00 Guest DJ Ben OsborneDJ Ben Osborne plays an electronic set, from classictechno, punk-funk, galactic house, to deep down anddirty disco.
19.00 Lecture Spitalfields Nippers£7/£6The Gentle Author, creator of the daily blogSpitalfields Life, introduces HoraceWarner’s Spitalfields Nippers. Dating fromaround 1900, this astonishing set of imagesdocuments some of the capital’s poorest
residents and is perhaps the most important set of pictures of 19th-century Londoners in existence.
Friday 3 April18.30 Live Music Brandenburg Choral Festival: The TiffiniansThe close-harmony vocal group from Tiffin Schoolperform a selection of a cappella favourites.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingJoin artist Susan Wilson for our popular weeklydrawing session in the Gallery.
Monday 6 – Friday 10 April11.00 – 16.00 Easter Holiday Family ActivitiesSetting the SceneA week of ticketed workshops and drop-in sessionsexploring how artists have used props and sets toset the scene in a portrait. Please note, the 14.30Family Art Workshop session on Thursday 9 Aprilwill be BSL interpreted.Free ticket required for Family Art Workshop sessions.
Thursday 9 April18.00 Resident DJ Eddie OtchereGrab a drink from the Late Shift bar and relax toEddie’s vinyl set.
19.00 Lecture The King’s Bed: Sex, Power and the Courtof Charles II£7/£6The private life of Charles II was anythingbut private. His amorous liaisons were largelyconducted in royal palaces surrounded byfriends, courtiers and hundreds of servants and soldiers. Authors Don Jordan and Michael Walsh take us inside Charles’s palace, where we will meet court favourites, amusing confidants, advisors jockeying for political power,mistresses past and present as well as key figures inhis inner circle such as his ‘pimpmasters’ and hispersonal pox doctor.
Friday 10 April18.30 Live Music Maz O’Connor: Singing PortraitsThe folk singer-songwriter performs a brand newselection of songs inspired by portraits of women inthe Gallery’s Collection.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingGrace Adam leads our ever-popular drop-indrawing session in the Gallery. Join her at 18.30for an introduction or pop by at any time.
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 April
11.00 – 17.00 Weekend Workshop Portraits of Power£125/£100Photographer Giles Price leads a two-day practicalphotographic workshop investigating botharchetypal and subversive depictions of strengthand power. Inspired by Goya’s portrait ofWellington and Giles’s own images of servicemen and women, you will work with a uniformed model andgain understanding in how body positioning,composition, lighting and subject interactionwork to capture these innate qualities. This courseis suitable for those who already have someknowledge of digital photography and know howto use their cameras in manual mode.
Tuesday 14 – Thursday 16 April11.00 – 16.00 Three Day Workshop Drawn in the FrameCreate your own hand-drawn animation in just threedays. Work with professional animators Lizzy Hobbsand Shelly Wain to learn the art of animation. Takinginspiration from the Georgian Collection, with anopportunity to research original documents in theHeinz Archive and Library.
Thursday 16 April13.15 Lecture Elizabeth: Renaissance PrinceBiographer Lisa Hilton reassesses the reign ofElizabeth I, an exceptional ruler who saw herselfprimarily as a Renaissance prince descended from atriumphant line of princes.
17.00 Three Day Workshop Drawn in the Frame ShowcaseShowcase of artwork produced during the youngpeople’s three day workshop. All ages welcome.
18.00 Guest DJ Neil PrinceListen and unwind at the Late Shift bar as DJ NeilPrince creates a set in response to the workson display.
19.00 Lecture Discovering Cornelius Johnson:Charles I’s Other PortraitistKaren Hearn, curator of Charles I’s ForgottenPainter, introduces Cornelius Johnson the King’slittle-known ‘picture-drawer’.
Friday 17 April10.00 – 16.20 Conference Sargent and the Arts of His Time£30/£25Leading international academics, curatorsand art historians join us for this international
conference on Sargent. Sharing recent research,they will also reflect on Sargent and his creative milieu encompassing literature, theatre and music. A day for anyoneinterested in Sargent and the period.
18.30 Live Music Sargent and MusicA special programme devised by Oliver Daviesfocussing on musical sitters on display in Sargent:Portraits of Artists and Friends – and showing thepainter’s own skill as a performer.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingArtist Robin-Lee Hall leads this group drop-indrawing session, taking inspiration from workson display.
Saturday 18 April14.00 – 16.00 Pick up a PencilTake a break from exam revision at thisPick up a Pencil session. Work with a special guest artistand the Gallery’s Youth Forum to take creative inspiration from the Gallery’s Collection, in this drop-in session.
Sunday 19 April13.00 – 14.30 for ages 3+15.00 – 16.30 for ages 7+Drop-in Family Session Pop-Up Portrait Puppets
Make a mixed-media shadow puppet of yourfavourite portrait and then create a performanceof its magical journey. Imagine where it will travelto and who it will meet on the way?No ticket required. Children must be accompanied.
Thursday 23 April18.00 Resident DJ Eddie OtchereTake advantage of the Gallery’s late opening andenjoy Eddie’s set with a drink from our pop-up bar.18.30 – 20.30 Performance Shakespeare’s BirthdayLook out for students from the Royal Central Schoolof Speech and Drama who will be strolling aroundthe Gallery reciting Shakespeare over the course ofthe evening.
Friday 24 April18.30 Live Music Channel Firing: Peter Sheppard SkærvedThe violinist presents a personal response to the100 years between 1914 – 2014 following acommission by the Dover Museums and ArtsGroupin 2014, including works by Gustav Holst,Nigel Clarke, Edward Elgar and more.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingArtist Gayna Pelham leads this week’s populardrop-in session taking inspiration from work inthe Gallery.
18.30 – 20.30 Life Drawing Henry Tonks: Studies of the Artist£9/£7‘To live with a bad drawing is to live with alie’. Figurative painter Andy Pankhurst questionsthe importance of Henry Tonks’s emphasis onanatomy during his time as a Professor at theSlade School of Fine Art through an exploration ofform and proportion. Suitable for all abilities, allmaterials provided.Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 April11.00 – 17.00 Weekend Workshop Sargent’s Spanish Dancer£125/£100Artist Susan Wilson leads a two-day workshop whichrecreates the mood and atmosphere of one ofSargent’s sittings with a Spanish dancer in fullcostume. Your paintings will be done alla prima, withno preparatory sketches and only quick drawings todecide composition, emphasising the speed,freshness of paint and immediacy of response thatwere central to Sargent’s style. Suitable for allabilities, all materials provided.
Monday 27 April13.00 – 15.00 The Drawing Room
Draw in the Gallery at this artist-led drop-in sessionfor disabled visitors. Meet in the Ondaatje WingMain Hall.
Thursday 30 April14.00 Visualising Portraits Snowdon: A Life in ViewPicture description for visually impaired visitors.This talk explores the current Snowdon: A Life inView display which includes a wide range of worksfrom fashion photography and documentary imagesto royal portraiture.
18.00 Guest DJ Richard OsborneDJ Richard Osborne plays every genre of musicwithin his sets, including pop, jazz, soul, disco androck and roll, creating sets that correspondto specific temporary exhibitions taking place atthe Gallery.
19.30 Exhibition Tour Wellington: Triumphs, Politics and Passions BSLCurator Paul Cox leads this exhibition tour interpreted into British Sign Language.
MayFriday 1 May18.30 Live Music Wellington: Piatti Quartet
One of the UK’s foremost young string quartetspresents Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 7, Op. 59,No. 1 ‘Rasumovsky’, composed in 1806, the yearWellington was appointed Colonel of the 33rdRegiment of Foot.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingTake inspiration from the portraits on display andsketch in the Gallery.
Sunday 3 May13.00 – 16.00 Young People’s Sunday SessionMere Dabs and BlursSargent painted his friend Vernon Lee in just threehours. Lee wrote, ‘it is of course mere dabs andblurs… but certainly more like me than I expectedanything could be’. Inspired by Sargent’stechniques, work with artists Marc Woodhead andIsobel Peachey to see what is possible in a speedpainting session. Communication support isavailable upon request.
Thursday 7 May13.15 Lecture John Singer Sargent and his Picture FramesResearch Fellow Jacob Simon tells the story offraming in four cities (Paris, London, Boston and NewYork), of an artist on the move with an international
clientele and of a diversity of framing styles, Italian,French and English of 17th and 18th century origins,some antique and some modern.
18.00 Resident DJ Eddie OtcherePhotographer and DJ Eddie Otchere curates a musicset inspired by the Gallery.
18.30 The Portrait Choir Solo Song ResidencyMembers of The Portrait Choir will be giving twospecial solo recitals, inspired by the currentexhibition Sargent: Portraits of Artists and Friends,exploring American Art Song from the late 1850sup until the present day.
19.00 In Conversation Queer PerspectivesJoin Queer Perspectives resident artist Sadie Lee asshe talks to her special guest about works in theCollection which have a personal resonance.
Friday 8 May18.30 The Portrait Choir Solo Song ResidencySee Thursday 7 May for details.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingArtist Grace Adam leads our free and friendlydrop-in session taking inspiration from the portraits
on display.
Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 May11.00 – 17.00 Weekend Workshop Painting with Light and Shadow£125/£100Photographer and filmmaker Gisela Torres leads thistwo-day photographic masterclass responding to paintings from the Gallery’s Collection. After a close examination ofselected artists’ use of light and shadow you willlearn different lighting techniques to create aspecific mood. Working with a model you will usebasic flash lighting and accessories creatively in thestudio to produce the final atmospheric portrait.This workshop is aimed at complete beginners,photography enthusiasts and those who want torefresh their knowledge.
Thursday 14 May18.00 Guest DJ Mr MadamDJ Mr Madam combines a range of musical styles tocreate his sets; from Thomas Tallis to Gracie Fields,Grace Jones to John Barry, Duke Ellington to LordCreator; if you can hum it, he will try and play it.
19.00 Lecture Sargent’s Methods for Painting Portraits
£7/£6Tate Paintings Conservator, Rebecca Hellen, and TateConservation Scientist, Dr Joyce Townsend, sharerecent research into key works by Sargent in Tate’scollection, showing the methods and materials heused and the consequences these have had for theappearance and preservation of these paintings.
Friday 15 May18.00 – 21.00 Museums at NightTake advantage of the Gallery’s late nightopening by visiting an exhibition, meeting friendsat the bar, enjoying live music and conversation,or participating in our popular Drop-in Drawingsession.
Saturday 16 May14.00 – 16.00 Pick up a PencilDrop-in drawing session for young people with theGallery’s Youth Forum.
Sunday 17 May13.00 – 14.30 for ages 3+15.00 – 16.30 for ages 7+Drop-in Family Session Portraits in ClayRoll, mould, pinch and coil, in this month’s newDrop-in Family Session focussing on portraitsin clay.No ticket required. Children must be accompanied.
Thursday 21 May13.15 Lecture The ‘dusk of disproportionate passion’:Henry James’s Garden Room in Rye and TillingIn 1896 Henry James became captivated byLamb House in Rye, a Georgian red brick with aunique, bow-windowed garden room. This perfectplace to write became James’s main home forthe rest of his life, and after his death his friendE.F. Benson moved in, using Lamb House as theinspiration for Mallards in his Mapp and Lucianovels. Dr Ailsa Boyd looks at how this one roominspired two very different writers.
18.30 – 20.30 Photo LondonHear key international photographers and curatorsdiscuss their work and current trends in photographyover two nights of discussion and keynote addresses.In Partnership with Photo London.
Friday 22 May18.30 – 20.30 Photo LondonJoin us for a second evening investigatingcontemporary photography with our partners, PhotoLondon. Take part in discussions, listen to live music,
meet friends at the Late Shift Bar or join our freeDrop-in Drawing session.
Monday 25 May13.00 – 15.00 The Drawing RoomDraw in the Gallery at this artist-led drop-in drawingsession for disabled visitors. Meet in the OndaatjeWing Main Hall.
Monday 25 – Friday 29 May11.00 – 16.00 Summer Half Term Holiday Family Activities Take A Closer LookA week exploring what makes a portrait. Using thetemporary displays and the Collection, discoverdifferent ways of creating a portrait usingphotography, printmaking, painting and animation.Free ticket required for Family Art Workshop sessions.
Thursday 28 May14.00 Visualising Portraits Favourites: Painting and Power, 1600 – 1800Picture description for visually impaired visitors.Find out more about this display of magnificentfull-length portraits commemorating the sitter’sstatus as a Knight of the Order of the Garter.
18.00 Guest DJ Tim RedfernRelax and unwind as DJ Timberlina provides
a soundtrack to your visit.
19.00 Lecture The Africans of Georgian Britain: Active Agents of Change£7/£6Historian Onyeka tells the untold story of Africansin Georgian Britain and the role they played in thedevelopment of society.
19.00 BSL Tour Highlights of the Collection BSLChisato Minamimura leads a tour of the Collection,picking out highlights along the way. Led in BSL withinterpretation into English.
Friday 29 May18.30 Live Music Kaz SimmonsThe jazz and folk influenced singer-songwriterreturns to perform her ethereal and intimate originalsongs and selected covers from the likes of RufusWainwright and Billy Joel.
18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in DrawingArtist Gayna Pelham leads tonight’s session. There isa short introduction at 18.30, but feel free to drop-inat any time.
18.30 – 20.30 Life Drawing Tackling Tone£9/£7Inspired by Goya’s mastery of tonal contrastand line in his portrait of the Duke of Wellington,join artist Robin-Lee Hall for an evening oflife-drawing capturing dramatic lights and darks.Our popular, social life-drawing sessions take placein the Ondaatje Wing Theatre on the last Fridayof every month.
Saturday 30 – Sunday 31 May11.00 – 17.00 Weekend Workshop Mixed Media, Collage and Printing£125/£100Artist Alison Kusner leads a two-day workshopinspired by contemporary portraits in the Collection.After producing colourful sketches in the Gallery,you will create stencils in the studio, experimentingwith mark making, 2D and 3D effects, screenprinting and collage to create vibrant, multilayeredportraits. Suitable for all abilities, allmaterials provided.
All events are free unless otherwise stated
Membership – Join TodayBecome one of our most familiar faces andenjoy a year of benefits including:
• Free entry to all ticketed exhibitions• Unlimited and priority access to all exhibitions• Discounts in our Gallery Shops, Portrait Café and Portrait Restaurant• Private Views and Previews• Priority booking for ticketed events
Join online at npg.org.uk/members call 020 7321 6283 or visit the Membership Desk during your next visit.
Portrait Restaurant and CafeAfternoon TeaA new menu inspired by Sargent’s masterpiece Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose
See npg.org.uk for opening times and booking details or call020 7312 2490 for restaurant reservations.
ShopFrom our Collection to yours
Discover the full range of gifts, books and products inspiredby the Sargent: Portraits of Artists and Friends exhibition,available exclusively from Gallery Shops and online.
Every purchase supports the National Portrait Gallerynpg.org.uk/shop
AccessThe Gallery offers a rich programme of free accessible events for all ages.
Supported by the Lord Leonard and Lady EstelleWolfson Foundation
Focus on Visualising Portraits‘I love coming to the Gallery, we have suchstimulating and intelligent conversations about thesitters, the choice of portraits and the staff makethe journey all worthwhile.’Visualising Portraits participant, 2014
Free picture description talks take place on the lastThursday of every month at 14.00. The sessions
have been developed for blind and partially sightedadults and take place in front of the portraits in theGallery. Each talk explores the Gallery’s Collectionand displays.
Spring highlights include a talk in the displayColour, Light, Texture on Thursday 26 Marchat 14.00.
For more information please visit npg.org.uk/visit
Inspiring People NationallyThe Gallery offers a rich programme of free accessible events for all ages.Supported by the Lord Leonard and Lady Estelle Wolfson Foundation
British Sign Language FocusTalks and events for adults take place on the lastThursday evening of every month.
Highlights include a Gallery Tour of Grayson Perry’snew work, including his lithograph of a deaf group,led in BSL by John Wilson and interpreted intoEnglish on Thursday 29 January at 19.30.
Activities for families will take place on Sunday
15 February and communication support will beavailable at the Young People’s Sunday Sessioninspired by Grayson Perry on Sunday 8 February.
For more information please visit npg.org.uk/visit
Inspiring People NationallySelf: Image and IdentityTurner Contemporary, MargateUntil 10 May 2015
This spring, Turner Contemporary becomes a framethrough which self-portraiture is re-evaluated in the21st century. Over 100 historical and contemporaryworks, many from the National Portrait Gallery, arebrought together for an expansive look at the artists’self, from Sir Anthony van Dyck’s recently savedSelf-Portrait to Louise Bourgeois.
Visit npg.org.uk/beyondthegallery to find out more.
Organised in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery,with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Art Fund.
National Portrait GallerySt Martin’s PlaceLondon WC2H 0HE020 7306 0055Recorded information 020 7312 2463
Entry to the Gallery is freeAn entry fee is charged for some exhibitions.
Leicester Square or Charing CrossCharing CrossBuses to Trafalgar Square
Opening HoursDaily 10.00 – 18.00Closure commences at 17.50Thursdays and Fridays until 21.00Closure commences at 20.50The Gallery is closed 24 – 26 December 2014Due to staff training on Monday mornings, galleries on Floors 1 and 2 and the Shop open at 11.00.
Access
Step-free access is via the Shop entrance on St Martin’s Place and the Orange Street ramp entrance. Access, Braille and large print guides are available from the Information Desk. For all access enquiries and for specific access requirements in advance of your visit, please visit www.npg.org.uk/whatson or call 020 7306 0055.Text Direct 18001
npg.org.ukSearch nearly 200,000 works in the Collection, find details on forthcoming exhibitions and events or browse the online shop.
Keep in touchRegister online for the Gallery’s free enewsletter.facebook.com/nationalportraitgallery@npglondon
Group VisitsFor organised group visits, including schools, colleges, families and adult groups, please visit npg.org.uk/learning or call 020 7312 2483.
Heinz Archive and Library020 7321 6617A resource for those wishing to conduct research in the field of portraiture. Visits by appointment only, Tuesday to Friday 10.00 – 17.00. A curator is available to give opinions on British portraits on
Wednesday afternoons 14.00 – 17.00, no appointment necessary.Valuations are not given.
Visitor ServicesWe provide visitors with an excellent standard of service and in return we ask that visitors show respect to members of staff and to other visitors.
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please get in touch via npg.org.uk/about/contactus or fill in a comment form at the Gallery’s Information Desk.
Spring Season 2015 sponsored by Herbert Smith Freehills
