Work by some of today’s most talented portrait artists is brought together for the Hull UK City of Culture celebrations.
Household names such as Dame Kelly Holmes, Sir Ian McKellen and Dame Helen Mirren, as well as author J.K. Rowling and designer Paul Smith feature in a major exhibition at Hull University.
Professor Glenn Burgess, acting university vice-chancellor, said the exhibition commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery as part of the first prize of the BP Portrait Award, was stunning. The award, now in its 27th year of sponsorship by BP, is aimed at encouraging artists to develop portraiture within their work.
The exhibition follows the hugely popular Lines of Thought exhibition earlier this year, which attracted more than 20,000 visitors to the university’s art gallery based in the Brynmor Jones Library.
‘Not only does the exhibition depict a wonderful range of famous faces, from actors to athletes and beyond, but the artists responsible have used an amazing variety of styles and compositions in creating these beautiful works,’ said Prof Burgess. ‘We can’t wait to welcome visitors to the latest major event in our Hull 2017 programme.’
First prize winners of the BP Portrait Award were invited to create a portrait of a public figure making an important contribution to British history and culture. Subjects have been selected for their achievements in the arts and sciences, in politics and philanthropy. Spanning a period of over 20 years, these works are described as a testament to the great talent and range of competing artists and form a key part of the National Portrait Gallery’s Contemporary Collection.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan, director, National Portrait Gallery, London, said: ‘The commissions of the BP Portrait Award first prize winners are some of the most striking and popular works of the National Portrait Gallery’s 20th century and contemporary collections. We look forward to sharing them with visitors to the University of Hull, who will have the rare opportunity to see all the BP Portrait Award commissioned portraits.’
Ms Des Violaris, director, UK Arts and Culture, BP, added: ‘These are portraits of some of the most important figures in British life and it will be very special to see them brought together for Hull UK City of Culture 2017.’
University of Hull students have been trained as gallery assistants working on exhibitions like Lines of Thought and Paul Smith to J.K. Rowling. Lizzie Rogers, student gallery assistant, said: ‘Lines of Thought was such a wonderful experience to be part of and I think visitors are going to fall in love with these art works too.’
The exhibition Paul Smith to J.K. Rowling: BP Portrait Award runs until June 11th, seven days a week. Opening hours vary. Booking is encouraged but not essential via culturenet.co.uk where there are also more details on dates and times. Entry is free.
