The prestigious Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award returns to the National Portrait Gallery, celebrating the best of UK contemporary portrait painting. 

Open to artists aged 18 and over, this competition has attracted global entries for over 40 years.

This year, Antony Williams took first prize for Jacqueline with Still Life, with Isabella Watling and Catherine Chambers winning second and third. The Young Artist Award went to Rebecca Orcutt for her striking self-portrait Before It’s Ruined (or an Unrealized Mean Side).

Visit the exhibit to explore cutting-edge portraiture from some of the UK’s most exciting emerging artists, selected by a distinguished panel including Dr Nicholas Cullinan OBE and visual artist Barbara Walker MBE RA.

Open daily: 10.30 – 18.00
Friday & Saturday 10.30 – 21.00

Lying, 2020·Catherine Chambers – Third Prize Winner·© Catherine Chambers