I went to London a few days ago and had the opportunity of visiting the National Portrait Gallery just before I legged it up the road to the Leicester Square tube station and heading home.
I really love it there. I’ve seen some wonderful exhibitions over the years including, for a few times, the annual photographic prize exhibition. This time was just a quick whizz around, topping up a little admiration of the work there.
As for the venue itself, I have some mixed feelings – on one hand it is a marvellous building, almost timeless and will probably continue for hundreds of years. And yet it is, perhaps, too grand. I like the smaller, more intimate exhibition spaces where they are a little less polished and more down to earth. I like exhibitions where all kinds of folk can happily mingle and enjoy it together; they’re not for the pretentious and highly cultured types.
Most of the gallery’s subjects are famous in some way, others less so and some are virtually unknown. There are historical figures, contemporary figures, poets, politicians, pop icons, royalty and so on. Each will have helped shape the UK as it is today.
It is almost a visual version of one of my favourite radio programmes – Desert Island Discs. I really do love this national treasure and this is why: I can spend hours wandering around, getting disoriented and losing all track of time in my thoughts. I like reading the text alongside each portrait, especially for the lesser known subjects. Next time I must promise myself I’ll go with enough time to immerse myself properly, not just another flying visit
So here’s just a few photos of things catching my eye….
