Tell us about the history of your brand…
When the National Gallery was founded in 1824, the first 38 paintings came from the private art collection of banker, John Julius Angerstein. Over the last two centuries, our world-class collection of paintings has grown considerably. Today, we have over 2,300 works, spanning the major traditions of Western European painting.
What is your brand best known for?
It is best known for housing the greatest collection of Western European art spanning 700 years and for overseeing one of the greatest collections of art in the world. Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, van Eyck’s jewel-like Arnolfini Portrait, and pieces by Holbein’s Ambassadors. That is not to mention our visitors other favourites: Turner, Leonardo, Velázquez, Titian, Constable, Botticelli, Monet, Caravaggio and Vermeer.
What has been a significant achievement in your company’s timeline?
Our most significant achievement will be reaching our 200th birthday. On 10th May 2024, we will start our celebration of the gallery’s bicentenary - 200 years of bringing people and paintings together. For the entire year, we'll celebrate our past and look forward to our future with a year-long festival of art, creativity and imagination which sets the tone for our third century.
Why do you love the brand?
The National Gallery exists to connect people with great art. For almost two hundred years we have cared for our collection in trust for the nation and encouraged the widest possible access for everyone's education and enjoyment.
Why does your brand represent the very best in British luxury?
Our collection, our building, and our location are all priceless. Number six in the Top London Attractions in 2023, we’re visited by 2.74 million visitors from all over the globe.
What attracted you to becoming a Walpole member?
At this exciting time in our history, the gallery is looking to expand and to build relationships across the luxury sector. Walpole has an esteemed list of members across the sector who we are delighted to learn from and connect with.
If you could collaborate with another Walpole member, which one would you choose (and what would you like to do)?
We would be thrilled to collaborate with a brand in the jewellery and watches sector to create an exciting, bespoke, and meaningful partnership during our bicentenary year and beyond!
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your brand in the coming months?
Coming in early 2025 is an exciting new venue dedicated to our community of National Gallery supporters, providing a sanctuary space for art lovers in the heart of London. Designed by world-renowned architect Annabelle Selldorf, with interiors by Studio Linse, a spectacular suite of spaces within the gallery building will become a dedicated place for our supporters to relax, meet and eat.
Furthermore, we are improving our ‘welcome’ to the millions of visitors which come through the National Gallery doors in a sensitive reconfiguration of our Grade I listed Sainsbury Wing. We are upgrading our visitor experience, creating new spaces, and befitting our world-class institution in order to meet the expectations of visitors now and in the future.
