A new art initiative developed by Art of London and the National Portrait Gallery will showcase the gallery’s most famous portraits and have them lining the skies of London’s entertainment district in 52 giant colourful cubes.
The head-turning art trail, Art Reframed, is one of the West End‘s biggest ever public art initiatives and was unveiled today by actor and art enthusiast, Russell Tovey. The portraits are currently draped over Coventry Street, (with Irving Street to be decorated next week) and the installation will run until October, giving art-loving Londoners plenty of time to, quite literally, look up at the stars.
Featuring portraits of some of the world’s greatest icons of film, music and literature; Art Reframed marks the beginning of Art of London‘s 2023 summer season: ‘The Art of Entertainment’. Created to inspire West End visitors to learn about notable figures, past and present, the portraits will contain important works from as far back as the 1700s as well as depictions of today’s favourite famous faces.
Starting today (July 27), you’ll be able to gaze up at some of Britain’s best-loved faces, from Noel Coward and William Shakespeare to Olivia Colman and Elton John – totally worth the neck-ache, if you ask me.
This will be Art of London’s first partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, which reopened in June following a three-year closure and major transformation to its building. The installation creates a direct link from the West End to the National Portrait Gallery, driving visitors to the gallery’s new entrance and forecourt, Ross Place.
The rest of the summer season will feature several public art commissions, special projects and fringe activity in partnership with prestigious arts and culture institutions across the West End, Piccadilly and St James.
Russell Tovey, actor and supporter of Art of London, says: “I am delighted to help bring world-class portraits from the National Portrait Gallery to the streets in London’s cultural heart and celebrate some of the world’s most important cultural figures. My own ethos is all about making art accessible and fun and I hope this creative initiative encourages members of the public to seek out the incredible art both on the streets and in galleries across the West End.”
Find out more about the 2023 season here.