Latest news with #SainsburyWing
Wall Street Journal
6 days ago
- General
- Wall Street Journal
London's National Gallery Gets an Upgrade
London Art needs architecture, and masterpieces need museums. Since the National Gallery's Wilkins Building, named after its architect, William Wilkins, opened in 1838, its Georgian frontage has dominated Trafalgar Square. In 1991 the museum added the Sainsbury Wing, a postmodern design by Americans Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown on an irregularly shaped site on the square's northwestern corner.
Epoch Times
23-05-2025
- General
- Epoch Times
The National Gallery in London Rehangs Its Collection
LONDON—The National Gallery turned 200 last year. As part of its yearlong bicentenary celebrations, the world-renowned gallery rehung its collection and renovated the entrance, foyer, and mezzanine of its Sainsbury Wing. The redisplayed Gallery opened on May 10, its 201st anniversary. Initially, Parliament founded the National Gallery in London on May 10, 1824, with a collection of 38 paintings housed at 100 Pall Mall, the former home of financier John Julius Angerstein (1735–1823) who had acquired the works. The Gallery opened to the public four days a week and to artists two days a week. In 1838, the National Gallery collection moved to its new purpose-built gallery, designed by architect William Wilkins (1778–1839), in Trafalgar Square. On July 24, 1929, the financial secretary to the Treasury, Baron Frederick Pethick-Lawrence, highlighted the National Gallery collection in Parliament: 'It is of great importance that works which are recognised as masterpieces should not be allowed to leave this country, but should remain the heritage of the people of these islands; and, further than that, that they should not be locked away in some private collection, where they will only be viewed by a few selected people, but that they should be in a public place where people of all positions in life, if they choose to take the trouble, can avail themselves of the opportunity of seeing them.' Related Stories 5/9/2025 8/10/2020 Today, the nation's painting collection spans seven centuries and some 2,400 works. National Gallery visitors can now view over 1,000 Western European artworks from the 13th to 20th century anew, including works by Bellini, Leonardo, Raphael, Rembrandt, Rubens, Anthony van Dyck, and Diego Velázquez. The Sainsbury Wing The Gallery's Sainsbury Wing has been closed for over two years, for remedial repairs, and for New York City-based Selldorf Architects working with London heritage architects Purcell to create a more welcoming main entrance foyer. The new, vast entrance foyer of the Sainsbury Wing, with its low ceiling, stark stone columns, and nearly 40-foot-wide digital screen, seems more akin to an airport lounge or swanky advertising office than the main entrance to a world-renowned painting collection. Despite the renovations' corporate rather than civic feel, the saving grace is that the foyer leads to the staircase abutted with double-floor-high windows that flood the area with sunlight and anticipation for what's to come. As visitors ascend the steps to the earliest paintings in the Gallery's collection, these windows afford a view of the original 1830s National Gallery building with its marble pilasters and Corinthian columns, and beyond—further into Trafalgar Square. It's a welcome reminder of the Gallery's prominent home and eminent 201-year history. Sunlight guides visitors up the staircase of the Sainsbury Wing at the National Gallery in London. Phil Starling/Copyright The National Gallery, London At the top of the staircase, a newly commissioned artwork—a sun made of river sediment—completes the corporate entrance feel. It's an odd choice for the first artwork the public encounters before entering the gallery of Medieval and Early Renaissance art, the traditional highpoints of Western art. All is forgiven when entering room 51, with its warm welcome of Gallery favorites such as 'The Virgin of the Rocks' by Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519) and 'The Manchester Madonna' by Michelangelo (1475–1564), which is an unfinished egg tempera painting that gives a wonderful peek into his painting practice. London's National Gallery members view 'The Virgin of the Rocks,' circa 1491–1508, by Leonardo da Vinci. Two doorways on either side of the painting lead to Leonardo's 'The Burlington House Cartoon.' Copyright The National Gallery, London Light enters the main Sainsbury Wing rooms through a series of skylights. As in a church, the sunlight makes the gold gilding shimmer, heightening its heavenly effect. The curators thoughtfully demonstrate how these altarpieces were used in private and public devotion. A darkened side room and alcove bench behind 'The Virgin of the Rocks' invites one to sit and contemplate Leonardo's ' (L) 'The Wilton Diptych,' by an unknown English or French artist. Egg tempera on wood; 20 7/8 inches by 14 9/16 inches. Room 51 of the Sainsbury Wing at the National Gallery, London. The Sainsbury Wing houses the nation's collection of medieval and early Renaissance (1250–1550) paintings. Copyright The National Gallery, London When acquiring the diptych for the Gallery in 1929, politician Andrew MacLaren said in a Parliamentary debate: 'It has simplicity, it has evidence of having been done by an artist not merely for payment but for the honour and glory of God. Only by such an impulse can any great work of art be produced.' Wherever possible, the altarpieces are arranged to evoke their original religious settings. Notably, the astounding 'The San Pier Maggiore Altarpiece' is situated at the front of the room, in a newly created frame that Gallery staff volunteers burnished in gold leaf. In front of the 'The San Pier Maggiore Altarpiece,' a predella from the altarpiece of San Domenico convent in Fiesole, Italy, is encased in glass. It demands particularly close attention. Fra Angelico (circa 1395–1455) depicted the hierarchy of heaven: In the central panel, Christ in heaven is surrounded by angels; on the left panel is 'The Virgin Mary With the Apostles and Other Saints' and on the right panel 'The Forerunners of Christ With Saints and Martyrs.' 'The San Pier Maggiore Altarpiece,' 1370–1371, by Jacopo di Cione and workshop. Egg tempera on wood. Room 57 of the Sainsbury Wing at the National Gallery, London. Copyright The National Gallery, London Walking from the 'The San Pier Maggiore Altarpiece' to an adjoining room, an early-14th-century crucifix hangs from the ceiling. It's a first for the Gallery and replicates the way the crucifix would have originally hung high in the church. Artist Segna di Bonaventura (active by 1298, died around 1326) painted the figure of Christ specifically to be seen from below, so seeing the work suspended from the ceiling makes sense. The unsettling three-dimensionality of Christ's wounded body must have served as a moving reminder of his sacrifice. Fresh Gallery Rooms Leaving the Medieval and Early Renaissance (1260–1550) gallery rooms of the Sainsbury Wing behind, the next 400 years of paintings on display reside in the Wilkins-designed Gallery building, accessed via an internal bridge. The Gallery remains divided into art eras: Renaissance (1500–1600) in rooms 2 to 14, Baroque (1600–1700) in rooms 15 to 32, Rococo to Romanticism (1700–1800) in the central hall and rooms 33 to 37, and Towards Modernism (after 1800) in rooms 38 to 46. Some artists now have their own dedicated rooms, including Piero della Francesca (circa 1415–1492) and Rembrandt (1606‒1669), enabling visitors to fully appreciate their artistic progression. The Baptism of Christ,' circa 1437–1445, by Piero Della Francesca. Room 66 of the Sainsbury Wing at the National Gallery, London. Copyright The National Gallery, London Other, new rooms focus on specific genres and mediums. There's a room full of still-life paintings. Pastel artworks hang together in room 42, the Gallery's first space dedicated to the medium, demonstrating the wide appeal, versatility, and different styles of pastel painting in two different art eras. Jean-Etienne Liotard (1702‒1789) brilliantly commanded the medium with fine works such as 'The Collection favorites such as Thomas Gainsborough's (1727–1788) family portraits hang together like a family album. Similarly, Peter Paul Rubens's (1577–1640) portrait assumed to be Susanna Lunden hangs beside Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun's (1755–1842) 'Self Portrait in a Straw Hat,' demonstrating how the old master directly influenced her more than 150 years later. Thoughtful and surprising curatorial touches like these run throughout the Gallery space, reinvigorating the collection even for seasoned Gallery visitors. A portrait assumed to be of Susanna Lunden ('Le Chapeau de Paille'), probably 1622–1625, by Peter Paul Rubens. Oil on wood; 31 1/8 inches by 21 1/2 inches. National Gallery, London. Copyright The National Gallery, London "Self Portrait in a Straw Hat," 1782, by Elisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun. Oil on canvas; 38 1/2 inches by 27 3/4 inches. National Gallery, London. Copyright The National Gallery, London New Acquisitions From Old Favorites As well as seeing the collection afresh, there are over 20 new loans and eight new acquisitions to celebrate the Gallery's bicentenary. Among the acquisitions are an early 16th-century French or Netherlandish altarpiece titled ' 'The Virgin and Child with Saints Louis and Margaret,' circa 1510, by an unknown Netherlandish or French painter. Oil on wood; 48 1/8 inches by 41 5/8 inches. Bought with the support of the American Friends of the National Gallery, London, 2025; National Gallery, London. Copyright The National Gallery, London 'After the Audience,' 1879, by Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Oil on wood; 36 inches by 26 inches. The National Gallery in London acquired the painting to mark its 200th anniversary year. Copyright The National Gallery, London Poussin's painting of the Last Supper, titled 'Eucharist,' is one in the first series of seven paintings depicting the Roman Catholic rites: Baptism, Penance, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Ordination, and Extreme Unction. Six in the series survive, two of which are in American collections: 'Baptism' in the National Gallery of Art in Washington and 'Ordination' in the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. 'Eucharist,' circa 1637–1640, by Nicolas Poussin. Oil on canvas; 37 5/8 inches by 47 5/8 inches. The National Gallery in London acquired the painting to mark its 200th anniversary year. Copyright The National Gallery, London Poussin's sensitive treatment of light in 'Eucharist' is wondrous. He directed candlelight from the double-wicked lamp and the candle on the stool. Set in architectural grandeur, Christ sits at the center of the symmetrical composition and the 12 apostles flank him. He holds the bread and wine in one hand and holds his other hand in a gesture of blessing. Some apostles raise their hands in gestures receptive to Christ's blessing. Judas may be the only figure who has turned his back on Christ, perhaps indicative of the apostle's betrayal. Founding president of the Royal Academy of Arts, Sir Joshua Reynolds viewed Poussin's seven sacraments series in 1785 and The rehung National Gallery in London truly celebrates the nation's painting collection, and is testimony to the entire curatorial team's efforts and passion for the legacy of Western art. To find out more, visit What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to
Time Out
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Six of the best free things to do in London this weekend
Last weekend was the first May bank holiday, so it's understandable that your bank account might be hurting right now. But fear not, because as London launches into summer there are plenty of fabulous and free happenings taking place across the city this Friday May 9 to Sunday May 11. Looking for inspo for things to do this weekend that won't break the bank? From the Tate's big birthday weekender, to a stunning hot air balloon festival, and independent shopping markets, we've rounded up five of the best free things you can do in the capital. Take a peak below. Celebrate Tate Modern's 25th birthday London's finest modern art gallery turns 25 this May, and it's celebrating a quarter of a century with a bang. Across one long weekend, the institution will mark its anniversary with a series of special one-off events and artworks, plus free tickets to its temporary exhibitions for 16 to 25-year-olds. Head to the Bankside gallery this weekend to see live tarot readings, big name DJ sets, old art gems resurrected (remember Louise Bourgeois' giant bronze spider?), special performances, workshops, talks and more. More info here. Tate Modern. May 9-12. Free (some events require booking in advance). Browse vinyl at the Independent Label Market Indie record labels, local brewers and DJs will come together at Kings Cross' Coal Drops Yard this Saturday for the May edition of the Independent Label Market. Music heads will be able to shop for exclusive and rare vinyl while sipping crafties and listening to live DJ sets, supplied by KX station Voices Radio. There will also be live music, spotlighting emerging artists from participating labels. Coal Drops Yard. Sat May 10. Free. See the swanky new Sainsbury Wing at the National Gallery The National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing has been closed for the past two years while it underwent a serious £85 million renovation. It finally reopens this weekend, newly kitted out with plenty of sleek, neutral limestone, vast expanses of glass, digital screens, new staircases, seating areas and more. The wing opens in conjunction with the 'Wonder of Art': a major rehang of around 1000 works in the gallery's collection of European painting. See our first look of the new wing here. National Gallery, WC2N 5DN. Opens Sat May 10. Free. Gawp at the Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta It's been six years since the last Lord Mayor's Hot Air Balloon Regatta was able to take place, thanks to Covid-19 and then years of bad weather, so this is one for the books. All being well, this Sunday May 11 50 hot air balloons will take off into the London skies. You'll be able to spot them sailing past some of the city's most iconic landmarks, from Buckingham Palace and the London Eye to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Sunday's forecast is looking like blue skies and low winds, so fingers crossed. More information here. Various locations. Sun May 11. Free. Catch the final weekend of the Museum of Transology Over the last 10 years, the Museum of Transology has been building up what is now the world's biggest collection of objects and stories relating to trans, non-binary and intersex lives. Its landmark exhibition, 'TRANSCESTRY: 10 years of the Museum of Transology' comes to a close this Sunday, so now is your last chance to check out the more than 1,000 artefacts that tell the the underrepresented and often forgotten stories from the trans community. More information here. Lethaby Gallery, N1C 4AA. Until Sun May 11. Free. North London community grocery store Nourished Communities is opening a new outpost in Walthamstow this weekend. To celebrate, they are giving away 100 free mini doughnuts and glasses of crémant, both supplied by St John, plus 25 litres of extra virgin olive oil. And if that's not enough to get you out of bed on Saturday morning, we don't know what is. It's first-come-first-served and doors open at 9.30am, so get there sharpish. 28 Saint James Street, E17 7PF. Sat May 10. Free.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The National Gallery rehang review: 'London is blessed to have it'
The National Gallery's present to the nation for its bicentenary is a re-opening of its Sainsbury wing and a new display of its collection. Goodness, what a birthday treat that is. There are about a thousand pictures on display and this re-presentation of them is startling. It makes you look at familiar pictures in a different way and see pictures you've breezed by in the past as if for the first time. My own reaction as I was being taken round was roughly that of Mole in the Wind in the Willows when he was unpacking Rattie's picnic hamper: O my, O my! And besides the rehanging of the pictures, there's been an architectural reordering. The first thing that strikes you as you enter the Sainsbury Wing is the sheer space. The floor above the atrium, previously taken up by the restaurant, has been opened up with clear glazing and the effect is of light and space. When it's empty, it's cavernous, but most of the time it'll be filled with school tours and tourists; they won't feel cramped now. And, don't worry, the important things have been attended to: shops and places to eat. In the entrance there's a chi-chi coffee bar and a shop where children can buy felt arty toys and adults can get a tote bag with Titian's Bacchus and Ariadne on it. On the floor above, there's Locatelli's restaurant for classy pasta and another shop with art books and arty presents. As you go up the stairs, the first thing you see is an enormous grey orb on the wall; Richard Long's Mud Sun. Hmm. But once inside the collection, the breathtaking starts, for your first encounter is with Leonardo's the Madonna of the Rocks and just by it the grisaille folds of a beautiful triptych. At a distance from them is the Wilton Dyptich - Richard II being presented to the Virgin - which here seems very much in context. And this brings us to the most brilliant element of the idea of devotional space. Most of the art of the Renaissance and earlier was religious and there's nothing sadder than seeing paintings intended for people to pray with turned into rarified art objects, divorced from their function. Well here you get the genius idea of placing the paintings intended for private devotional use in smaller, darker rooms, reminiscent of side chapels, while the great long space that unites them is like the nave of a church between one altarpiece and another. That big basilical space displays works that were intended for churches, for public space. There's a great hanging cross by Segna di Bonaventura suspended from the ceiling as it would have done in the fourteenth century, recalling a rood screen, before the San Piero Maggiore Altarpiece at the end. This great work is presented as complete as possible, in a recreation of the original frame. A little distance before it is a panel from the base of another altarpiece. The effect, seen from a distance, is of being in church. This transforms the context for the pictures, putting them into a setting that's reminiscent of what they were intended for. A century divides the altarpieces at either end … and in between you can see the Renaissance unfold. The framing of the San Piero Maggiore altarpiece brings together its various parts, which enables you to see how they fit together. The National Gallery staff got the chance to help the frame-makers with the gilding; lucky things. It's a reminder of the formidable skills that the Gallery has at its disposal. Putting pictures in their real settings (even if they're modern recreations) makes them live – but it's funny how rarely it's done. Another effective touch is to put altarpieces on pediments, thus showing them as they would have been seen originally. Off the main nave, if you can call it that, are rooms for specific artists or regions or themes; the Cranachs are together … just beautiful – and so are the Piero della Francesca pictures. There's a room that's pretty well given over to pictures embellished in gold and it's heavenly. But the designers had an eye to the long view: right across the gallery you can see from a Rensaissance crucifix in the Sainsbury wing through all the intervening rooms to the magnificent Stubbs horse at the other end. That gives a horizontal perspective. The same device is used to highlight the Bronzino Venus and Cupid: seen from a distance, Venus's glowing white skin pulls you towards her. Other parts of the collection have been re-hung. The Titians - the Gallery. has a wonderful collection - come into their own in a dark green space, and what a good backdrop colour it is. The three paintings made for the King of Spain's bedroom are next to each other - now that's a marvellous wall. On opposite sides of the room you can see his earliest Madonna and his last...a whole artistic life, in one space. The only mild disappointment in this succession of wonders is the final room, where there are remarkable Monets (you didn't think of the National Gallery as a Monet place, did you?) including a painting of beautiful irises but they're let down by drab white walls. After the clever settings elsewhere, it's anticlimactic. But no matter. The National Gallery for its 200th birthday has done itself and the nation proud. There are splendid new acquisitions and what the gallery has, it has presented afresh, to remind us what a remarkable collection this is. London is blessed to have it. Go and remind yourself how lucky we are.
Evening Standard
08-05-2025
- Evening Standard
The National Gallery rehang review: 'London is blessed to have it'
And besides the rehanging of the pictures, there's been an architectural reordering. The first thing that strikes you as you enter the Sainsbury Wing is the sheer space. The floor above the atrium, previously taken up by the restaurant, has been opened up with clear glazing and the effect is of light and space. When it's empty, it's cavernous, but most of the time it'll be filled with school tours and tourists; they won't feel cramped now. And, don't worry, the important things have been attended to: shops and places to eat. In the entrance there's a chi-chi coffee bar and a shop where children can buy felt arty toys and adults can get a tote bag with Titian's Bacchus and Ariadne on it. On the floor above, there's Locatelli's restaurant for classy pasta and another shop with art books and arty presents.
