We visited on Saturday just gone, hoping for a day out in London which didn't involve last minute mass consumption, and spontaneously decided to drop in to the National Portrait Gallery.
It was very interesting to see the portraits of prolific politicians and also scientists on Level 1, many of whom have their own works on display in The Science Museum including Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Michael Faraday and Mary Seacole - who you can also 'meet' at The Science Museum.
I also really loved the above picture of the Brontë sisters on display in room 24, it was thought lost and discovered folded on top of a cupboard as you can tell from the damage to the canvas. I like it when paintings have a really interesting history, and this one had a column painted behind the sisters which underneath had what is thought to have been an attempt at a self portrait of Branwell Brontë, their brother and the artist.
Rather fitting actually, as it was on this day that Emily Brontë died: 19th December in 1848 at just 30 years old, she is a sitter in several portraits at the gallery which you can see here on their website.
My favourite thing about the National Portrait Gallery is the different histories and stories of the people who come to life before you, in a variety of mediums, there is really good detail on their website and its actually one of those places where I would advocate getting an audioguide to give you extra in-depth information. The place made for a lovely visit, the atmosphere was calm and peaceful in contrast to the bustling streets outside and I would recommend it for anyone after a bit of social history in amongst some art over the holidays.
I have to say I'm also rather excited about their forthcoming exhibition of work by Lucian Freud- from February 2012 - click here for more details - he was one of my favourites for doing bad a-level copies of famous paintings back at school, haha!
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it's a place i've spent many soggy days, mostly on my own. very peaceful
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