To the sound of trumpets and angel song, or so it seemed, the National Portrait Gallery opened its doors anew in June 2023. It was a veritable resurrection: after four years shrouded in secrecy, the stone was rolled from its entrance to reveal a shimmering redecoration. As far as possible, the gallery has stayed faithful to the interiors designed by its original architect, Ewan Christian, in 1896 – but the colours throughout have been reignited. An enfilade of rooms has been rehung in fiery clothed splendour – specially woven by Gainsborough Silks – setting off the scrubbed-walnut parquet and panelling, not to mention the portraits, to triumphant effect. These are interiors worthy of the pantheon of illustrious heads that line the walls, from Anne Boleyn to Anna Wintour.
But it’s not just the gallery which has had a much-needed facelift. In the National Portrait Gallery gift shop, between the walls lined with pretty but predictable postcards, a series of exciting young makers have been commissioned to produce items in response to the gallery’s new look. Working away in their respective media – including ceramics, plaster and textiles – they each came up with a singular take on the museum trinket. And, in tandem with these offerings, you’ll also find quilted blankets and cushions made from the leftover Gainsborough silks commissioned for the gallery’s walls – a rare treat indeed. So go ahead and follow an age-old commandment: exit through the gift shop.
'Enfilade' quilted throw
Don’t miss the one-off chance to bring the NPG home with you. These limited-edition patchwork quilts were created from the Gainsborough silk left over from the vivid rejuvenation of the gallery’s storied exhibition room walls
'Mary Sidney Herbert' plate
With her witty takes on traditional portraiture, Pollyanna Johnson’s illustrated ceramics embody the same joyful energy as the rehung gallery itself. Juxtaposing pithy phrases with historical painting, each piece is as clever as it is beautiful
'1989' print silk scarf
Inspired by the journey through the ages that visitors enjoy at the NPG, textile designer Amelia Graham has designed a series of silk scarfs honouring the more recent decades represented there. Whether you’re more inclined towards the style of the 1960s, 70s or 80s, these prints spotlight the gallery’s modern approach
'Tulipiere 1'
Anyone who knows their art history will know of the unbound beauty of Dutch flower paintings. While they are neither British, nor portraits, who could resist recreating one at home with one of Kate Monckton’s charming handmade tulipieres?
John Keats's death mask
Death masks rank among the more macabre specimens in the portrait genre. For those who don’t harbour a burning desire to own a copy of poet John Keats’s face soon after his demise, don’t fret – plaster caster Felice Calchi has a series of hands, ears and living mugs on offer too
'Female in Yellow' intaglio paperweight
Bridie Hall has long been selling her now famous colourful intaglio works at Pentreath & Hall, the wondrous interiors emporium she co-curates with architect and designer Ben Pentreath. One of these pretty epistolary ornaments on the mantelpiece, and suddenly you’re in an Austenian wonderland
'King Charles III Coronation' silk pocket square
In a saturated market, royal memorabilia has to be very special to stand out. With his bold heraldic patterns, however, Rory Hutton’s work is an easy win. Pick up your own piece of history in the form of the designer’s silk coronation scarf
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