National Gallery
Gallery
The National Gallery is one of London's greatest art museums located in Trafalgar Square, London. Founded in 1824, it houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
Hold Still Community Project
Back to Events
Exhibition
Hold Still showcases photographic portraits, captured by people of all ages during lockdown, throughout May and June across the United Kingdom.
Event Info
Date & Time
October 20 - November 17Location
National Portrait Gallery, Saint Martin's Place, London, UK
Looking for a portrait of the UK during lockdown?
Hold Still invited people of all ages from across the UK to submit a photographic portrait, which they had taken during lockdown, in a six-week period during May and June.
A panel of judges, including the Duchess of Cambridge and National Portrait Gallery Director, Nicholas Cullinan, selected the final 100 portraits from 31,598 submissions.
Focusing on three core themes – Helpers and Heroes, Your New Normal and Acts of Kindness – the images selected present a unique record of our shared and individual experiences during this extraordinary period of history, conveying humour and grief, creativity and kindness, tragedy and hope.
Spearheaded by The Duchess of Cambridge, Patron of the National Portrait Gallery, Hold Still is an ambitious community project, launched in May 2020, to create a unique collective portrait of the UK during lockdown.
The final selection of portraits, unveiled in a digital exhibition in September, will be exhibited for a period of four weeks on billboard and poster sites across the country, including at bus stops, in high streets and outside train stations. They may also be viewed via the online exhibition here.
You May Also Like
Ai Weiwei CIRCA 2020
Installation
Ai Weiwei is taking over the iconic advertising lights at Piccadilly Circus.
Summer Exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts
Exhibition
Temporarily closed - Unhindered by war and for the first time in its 252 year history, don't miss the Royal Academy's winter edition of the Summer Exhibition.
Tracey Emin/Edvard Munch: The Loneliness of the Soul at the Royal Academy of Arts
Exhibition
Born a century apart, but united by art, get ready to explore this must-see exhibition delving deep into both artists fascination with women, their emotions and ageing - Now offering a FREE virtual tour.
Cats, Dogs and Other Best Friends: A Selection of Animal Sculpture at the Sladmore Gallery
Exhibition
From the faithfully realistic hounds to the contemporary impressionist chameleons, uncover this unique exhibition applauding animal companions during times of turmoil.
Venues & Places
From world-class art galleries and institutions, to the West End’s best theatres, cinemas, hotels, restaurants and bars, find the venues you’re looking for with our business listings.
Read more about National Gallery
Royal Academy of Arts
Gallery
The Royal Academy of Arts is a world-renowned art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. For over 250 years, the RA has existed to champion art and artists and offers a place where art is made, exhibited and debated. Enjoy their expanded campus with free displays, new spots to eat, drink and shop, and much more.
National Portrait Gallery
Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery sits seconds away from Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, London. It was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856 and houses the world's largest collection of personalities and faces, from the late Middle Ages to the present day. The gallery is currently closed until spring 2023, while essential building works take place for the gallery’s Inspiring People redevelopment.
Stern Pissarro Gallery
Gallery
Established in 1964, Stern Pissarro Gallery specialises in Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary art. The gallery occupies a unique position in the global art scene, pioneering works by Camille Pissarro and his descendants.