- Duration
- 3 hours
- Location
- London
- Portraits of British royalty, literary figures, scientists and military heroes
- Led by an art historian
- National Portrait Gallery
Sites Visited
- National Portrait Gallery
Included
- 3 hours with a PhD or MA level guide
Itinerary Details
We will introduce, through the painted image, British Kings and Queens of England from the 15th century to the present day, with information given about their personalities and the principle features of their reign. We will discuss how each monarch wished to be presented: Elizabeth I disliked any shading on her face; Oliver Cromwell wanted to be painted “warts and all” and Victoria and Albert presented themselves as a medieval king and queen.
Additionally, we will examine portraits of men and women who shaped the culture of Britain, including images of Shakespeare, Milton, the Brontes and Jane Austen. Scientists such as Joseph Banks and Isaac Newton and military heroes including Nelson, Wellington and Churchill. Contemporary portraits include photographs and paintings of rock and roll royalty, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elton John and Ed Sheeran as well as portraits of HM The Queen and other members of the royal family.
FAQ
Hattie has a degree in History of Art and an MA in Historic Interiors, she has a life-long passion and fascination in Fine and Decorative Arts, particularly works produced in Europe from the 16th to 18th century. After working for the Royal Collection in the Print Room at Windsor Castle, she was a curator for a private collector of 17th and 18th century prints and drawings. This sparked a keen interest in portraiture and English art, as well as the printed image. Hattie has worked for London's foremost framer of important old master paintings during which time she sharpened her appreciation and understanding of the decorative arts and the changing tastes of collecting. Recently she has been dealing in prints and works of art as well as taking groups of all ages to museums and galleries.
Cindy Polemis is an art historian and an independent lecturer and tour guide. She has a B.A. in History from Oxford University and as a mature student, she graduated from Birkbeck College, London University with a B.A. and M.A. in History of Art. She spent many years as a radio producer and presenter for the BBC World Service. Since 2016 she has been an official guide at Tate Modern and Tate Britain and has lectured independently. Cindy has accumulated a wide range of art historical knowledge and loves to share her passion and enthusiasm for art with her audience in many different venues throughout London and beyond. She is also an accomplished cook, a sour dough bread baker and has many contacts in the artisan food and wine scene in London.