The National Portrait Gallery in London, England, is one of the most respected art institutions in the world, showcasing portraits across all artistic mediums.
The newly announced exhibitions scheduled throughout 2024 will span 6 centuries of portraiture, from the Tudor period to the present day. Included are displays exploring the lives of Henry VIII's wives, while the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize will return for its 17th year.
Portraiture can be showcased across many different mediums, and some of the best photography portraits will be on show in 2024. One of the most anticipated is Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream In, which will be on display in Spring 2024.
"This innovative exhibition will juxtapose the lives and work of two of the most important and influential practitioners in the history of photography," says the National Portrait Gallery.
"Showcasing more than 150 rare vintage prints, the exhibition will span the entire career of Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron – who worked 100 years apart – and include examples of both their best-known and less familiar work".
Both these photographers have the ability, through their images, to create a dream-like connection with the viewer, through storytelling and symbolism. The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalog featuring essays and images.
Another exhibition set to attract those passionate about contemporary photography is the Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize, returning for its latest annual installment. The winners of the prize categories were recently revealed, and you can see them covered in our announcement story. Featuring photographs from all over the world, the portraits on display show the famous and the everyday side-by-side in the same space.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
"The competition celebrates a diverse range of images and tells the fascinating stories behind the creation of works, from formal commissioned portraits to more spontaneous and intimate moments capturing friends and family," says the National Portrait Gallery.
Other photographic works are on show within the other exhibitions, such as the legendary photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto's portrait of Anne Boleyn in the Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens.
The National Portrait Gallery reopened earlier this year after the largest redevelopment in its history.
"After a highly successful first season following our reopening, I am delighted to be presenting another year of innovative and engaging exhibitions," beams director, Dr Nicholas Cullinan.
"2024's program will span from Tudor Queens to the greatest living artists, with something for everyone to enjoy. I would like to thank our sponsors for all their support in helping us deliver such an innovative and energetic program of exhibitions."
I am super excited to see the work on display at the National Portrait Gallery next year! Here is the full rundown of the year:
2024 Schedule
The Time is Always Now: Artists Reframe the Black Figure
February 22 – May 19 2024
Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream In
March 21 – June 16 2024
Six Lives: The Stories of Henry VIII’s Queens
June 20 – September 8 2024
Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award
July 11 – October 27 2024
Francis Bacon Portraits
October 10 2024 – January 19 2025
Taylor Wessing Photo Portrait Prize
November 14 2024 – February 23 2025
Take a look at the best lenses for portraits, the best cameras for portraits and the best books on portrait photography.
