Tag: London Gallery

National Gallery London offers ‘Pay what you wish’ Fridays

Art lovers in London are in for a treat, as the National Gallery launches an inspiring new initiative as part of its NG200 celebrations. For the first time, visitors will have the chance to pay what they like to experience the critically acclaimed exhibition José María Velasco: A View of Mexico. Every Friday from 10am to 9pm, until 17 August, you can book a ticket for as little as £1 to immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind showcase. A Historic First for the National Gallery This initiative marks the first time the National Gallery has offered ‘Pay What You Wish’ access throughout the entire day on Fridays for one of its ticketed exhibitions. Previously, this scheme ran only during evening hours for blockbuster exhibitions like Lucian Freud, Frans Hals, and After Impressionism. Now, it’s available all day, giving more people the opportunity to experience the art of José María Velasco, one of Mexico’s most celebrated 19th-century painters. The exhibition, which is the first UK monographic display dedicated to Velasco and the Gallery’s first-ever show centred on a historical Latin American artist, coincides with two significant milestones. It celebrates the 200th anniversary of UK–Mexico diplomatic relations and is part of the NG200 festivities, commemorating the Gallery’s bicentenary. Velasco’s masterpieces embody a unique cultural and historical perspective, offering a fresh addition to the Gallery’s longstanding tradition of showcasing global art beyond Europe. Who Was José María Velasco? José María Velasco (1840–1912) is a colossal figure in Mexican art, known for his extraordinary depictions of the Valley of Mexico…. Read More

National Gallery London offers chance to see magnificent Carracci cartoons

Next spring, art enthusiasts will have the rare opportunity to witness the magnificent Carracci cartoons up close at the National Gallery. Displayed in Room 1, these extraordinary works, created around 1599, are not just impressive in size—nearly four metres wide and two metres tall—but also in their delicate execution using charcoal and white chalk. Given their fragility and grandeur, these masterpieces are seldom exhibited, making this a truly special occasion. The Carracci cartoons entered the National Gallery’s collection in 1837, thanks to a generous gift from Lord Francis Egerton. Before that, they belonged to the esteemed artist Sir Thomas Lawrence. Originally, these grand drawings were crafted as preparatory works for the painted ceiling in the gallery of Palazzo Farnese, one of Rome’s Renaissance treasures, now housing the French Embassy. The commission was initiated by Odoardo Farnese, a cardinal and the younger son of the Duke of Parma. In 1594, he enlisted the talented Carracci brothers from Bologna to adorn his family palace with artistic splendour. Upon their arrival in Rome, Annibale and Agostino Carracci drew from the grandeur of antique sculptures and the masterpieces of Michelangelo and Raphael to conjure an idealised vision of the classical world, celebrating the loves of the gods. The resulting ‘Galleria Farnese’ became a beacon of inspiration for generations of artists. The two cartoons on display are largely the work of Agostino, though Annibale is believed to have contributed to their creation. They depict scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses—stories of transformation that were integral to the frescoed ceiling in the Farnese… Read More

A digital journey through the National Gallery’s rich history

As we delve into the heart of the National Gallery’s captivating legacy, a treasure trove of stories and experiences awaits, unveiling the profound impact of art on lives and communities. The gallery’s illustrious history is woven with tales of generosity, evolution, and the remarkable individuals who have contributed to its timeless allure. A Legacy of Artistic Influence Life surrounded by art clearly had an impact on several young children of the National Gallery’s founding figures – two of whom later exhibited at the prestigious Royal Academy as esteemed artists, testament to the profound influence of artistic immersion from a young age. Threads of Generosity and Growth Numerous narratives within NG Stories spotlight groups instrumental in nurturing the collection’s growth. The 113 subscribers who united to purchase Constable’s iconic “The Cornfield” in 1837, grounding a legacy that resonates to this day. Additionally, reflections on pivotal campaigns to preserve masterpieces by Titian for the nation in 1972, 2008, and 2012 underscore the enduring impact of collective generosity, shaping the collection’s remarkable scope. Evolution of Roles and Significance NG Stories delves into the evolution of pivotal roles at the Gallery, encompassing scientific, learning, framing, and art handling aspects, each intricately woven into the fabric of the Gallery’s mission. This exploration illuminates the vital significance of these roles in the day-to-day care of the collection, enriching our understanding of the meticulous curation and preservation efforts that safeguard the Gallery’s cultural treasures. Embracing Digital Enrichment Lawrence Chiles, Head of Digital at the National Gallery, expresses a resolute commitment to leveraging… Read More

What do Cezanne, Van Gogh, Rodin, Picasso and Matisse all have in common?

They’re all on display at the National Gallery in London from 25 March to 13 August 2023. And it’ll be an exploratory experience not to be missed to kick off anyone’s year. Along with Klimt, Käthe Kollwitz, Sonia Delaunay, Kandinsky and Mondrian, the exhibition After impressionism: investing modern art will explore and celebrate Paris as the international artistic capital, while focusing on the exciting and often revolutionary artistic developments across other European cities during this period.    Starting with the towering achievements of Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Rodin, visitors are able to journey through the art of the late 19th and early 20th centuries created in cities such as Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels and Vienna. The exhibition closes with some of the most significant modernist works, ranging from Expressionism to Cubism and Abstraction. For more information and tickets, head to the National Gallery website