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[title]Ah, autumn: the time when everyone returns to London and gets back into their daily routines. But without sunshine and Pimm’s on the South Bank, what are Londoners to do? October onwards calls for relaxed weekends and late nights checking out some of the exhibitions you’ve had on your hit-list for a while – and where to browse the best and latest in art and culture than at the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square?
Opened in 1856 and housing the world’s great collection of portraits – including 11,000 portraits, drawings, miniatures and sculptures, plus 250,000 photographs and negatives – the Gallery is a visual feast for the senses, which also includes current exhibition Tim Walker’s Fairyland: Love and Legends. Running until February 2027, it’s a creative exploration of queer identity, community and love through the lens of one of Britain’s most important photographers. Membership? That gives you first dibs on all the new stuff happening at the Gallery. And what new stuff they have on the horizon!
Yes, sir: the National Portrait Gallery has just revealed its programme of major exhibitions for 2027. These include everything from the first posthumous exhibition dedicated to Frank Auerbach, one of Britain’s most significant artists, to the first UK retrospective in homage to American impressionist Mary Cassatt. There’ll also be an exhibition curated in close collaboration with colourful pop artist Sir Peter Blake – now the ripe old age of 94 – and a glorious celebration of iconic writers throughout history up to the present day. Shakespeare will, of course, be there with bells and ruffles on (at least, as a portrait).
Making it possible for the National Portrait Gallery to protect their collections, put on new exhibitions and share stories with the millions of people that visit from around the world each year, Membership gives back (while offering you plenty to shout about). For just £66 a year – a snip for so much art and culture, we think – you’ll get guaranteed entry and unlimited access to a year of exhibitions, plus priority booking!
Better still, you’ll also be able to see exhibitions before Joe Public and during Members-only viewing hours book special events available only to you. There’s also a 10% discount in their shops, café, Larry’s Bar and The Portrait Restaurant (may we recommend the steamed Dover sole and confit duck leg?).
And, finally, the Gallery will even throw in a free subscription to Face to Face magazine, packed with artsy content to pore over when you’re at home, glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc in-hand.
Whether for just yourself, with a pal, or two members and a couple of guests, you can tailor your Membership according to how you’ll use it, so check out the website to pursue and choose.
That’s autumn (and winter, spring and summer) sorted, then.
Choose your National Portrait Gallery Membership.