Portraits, old and new

Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle has opened two linked exhibitions tracing portrait painting from the 16th century to today, running 28 March–5 September 2026. (northeastmuseums.org.uk) The shows are the National Portrait Gallery’s touring Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025 and a Laing‑curated exhibition called Exploring Identity drawn from North East Museums’ collections. (livingnorth.com) The Kramer Portrait Award display brings 46 shortlisted paintings to Newcastle, led by first prize winner Moira Cameron’s self‑portrait A Life Lived and Young Artist Award winner Michelle Liu’s Kofi. (npg.org.uk) Exploring Identity assembles portraits from the Laing, the Shipley and the Hatton collections, including works by John Lavery, Frederic Leighton, Christina Robertson and North East artists such as Norman Cornish. (newcastlegateshead.com) Pairing the National Portrait Gallery tour with the Laing’s historic holdings places contemporary prizewinners directly alongside regional and historical portraits for side‑by‑side comparison. (northeastmuseums.org.uk) Tickets for the Laing double bill are charged for this exhibition—advertised prices list adult tickets from £11, concessions £10 and free entry for ages 21 and under. (getintonewcastle.co.uk) Laing Exhibition Officer Amy Pargeter will give a curator’s talk titled “I Contain Multitudes” on 22 April to introduce themes and selected works from both shows. (northeastmuseums.org.uk) The Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award is in its 43rd year and has been sponsored by law firm Herbert Smith Freehills for more than two decades. (npg.org.uk) Local publicity describes the pair of exhibitions as tracing portraiture from the 16th century through modern practice, with events and a catalogue accompanying the displays. (livingnorth.com) “We are delighted to be hosting the National Portrait Gallery’s celebrated painting competition,” Julie Milne, Chief Curator of Art Galleries at North East Museums, said as the shows opened; both run until 5 September 2026. (livingnorth.com)