UK’s National Portrait Gallery reopens after £41m renovation; Kate Middleton, Paul McCartney and Tracey Emin mark the occasion

Princess of Wales, Sir Paul McCartney and Tracey Emin marked the occasion as the National Portrait Gallery is set to reopen after a £41 million renovation. As per reports, Emin has designed the new floors for the London gallery which feature 45 hand-drawn female portraits cast in bronze.



Moreover, McCartney’s personal photographs collection is also scheduled to be on display in the gallery on June 28. He reportedly took the photos between 1963 and 1964. The public will be able to visit the National pOrtrait Gallery later this week on June 22.


On the occasion, Paul McCartney and his wife Nancy Shevell met with Princess Kate and reportedly discussed his upcoming exhibition. The Princess of Wales even greeted the crowd gathered outside the gallery.

As per BBC report, Nicholas Cullinan, the director of National Portrait Gallery remarked that Kate was “fantastic” and “really passionate”. He also said that the presence of a senior royal family who is also caring about culture, museums, art and is supportive “is such a great thing for thai country”.

The National Portrait Gallery opened back in 1856 and since then, it has moved to a new location off Trafalgar Square nearly four decades later. It is known to display at least 11,000 portraits of historically significant and crucial British nationals in its Primary Collection.

According to a Hello Magazine report, the Princess of Wales looked at several new acquisitions by the gallery. It is to note that the gallery has acquired over 50 new pieces of art. Kate last visited the gallery before it was shut down in 2020.

FAQs:

How much did the National Portrait Gallery renovation cost?
Princess of Wales, Sir Paul McCartney and Tracey Emin marked the occasion as the National Portrait Gallery is set to reopen after a £41 million renovation. As per reports, Emin has designed the new floors for the London gallery which feature 45 hand-drawn female portraits cast in bronze.

When did the National Portrait Gallery open?
The National Portrait Gallery opened back in 1856 and since then, it has moved to a new location off Trafalgar Square nearly four decades later. It is known to display at least 11,000 portraits of historically significant and crucial British nationals in its Primary Collection.