Drawn from the National Portrait Gallery’s world-leading photography collection, this exhibition showcases portraits of British film, music, and fashion icons by acclaimed international photographers. Spanning the 1950s to today, it frames each portrait as a dynamic encounter between two creative forces, one before the lens, and one behind it.
In the exchange between photographer and sitter, a persona can be created, or a truth can be revealed. We see Cecil Beaton and Audrey Hepburn crafting the look of a Hollywood star; Terry O’Neill visualising the sounds of David Bowie; and David Bailey and Jean Shrimpton defining the look of the Swinging Sixties. While these legendary collaborations helped to transform individuals into icons, other photographers have sought to glimpse the person behind their public image. In her tender portrait of Daniel Radcliffe, for example, Emma Hardy portrays a young star navigating fame; while Tami Aftab shows us the playful side of Olivia Dean.
Actors, musicians, and models are accustomed to performing for the camera. Yet with the swift click of the shutter, a famous face can also be caught unrehearsed. The exhibition ends with more spontaneous and candid portraits, such as Martin Parr’s joyful snapshot of Harry Styles relaxing by the sea, or Corinne Day’s montage of Kate Moss deep in conversation. Here, we catch a rare moment when the persona seemingly slips, and superstars are simply themselves.
These compelling portraits pose a question at the heart of the National Portrait Gallery’s collection: where do image and identity intersect? They celebrate the creativity of British cultural icons, and the photographers who have shaped how we see them.
About the National Portrait Gallery
Since its founding in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery has told the story of Britain through portraits, using art to bring history to life and explore living today. Spanning six centuries, its Collection is filled with the stories that have shaped and continue to shape a nation, from global icons to unsung heroes.
The National Portrait Gallery celebrates the power of portraiture to create person-to-person connections, offering encounters with some of the most celebrated artists from across history, as well as the best in contemporary art. It promotes engagement with portraiture in all media by conserving, growing, and sharing the world’s largest collection of portraits.
Amongst the National Portrait Gallery’s treasures is its collection of over a quarter of a million photographs, including many of the most important ever made in Britain and internationally. Encapsulating all the major movements and techniques of the last two centuries, the photographs collection is recognised worldwide for its remarkable scope and unique focus.
