The National Portrait Gallery is one of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious and traditionally British art institutions. The gallery houses a collection of portraits of historically important and famous British people. Founded in 1856, the gallery was one of the first public museums to be solely dedicated to portraits.
An example that illustrates the gallery’s loyalty to its original mission, is the fight for the purchase of ‘Omai’ and their establishment of an international donation fund to keep the painting on U.K soil. Omai, which commemorates a Polynesian immigrant who visited London, was painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds, who is widely considered one of the most accomplished portrait painters in British history.
The Foundation responded to this call to action issued by The National Portrait Gallery, which recognises the importance of this artwork for future generations of British nationals and immigrants alike. In the summer of 2023, the process of purchasing the work was finalised and it is today displayed at the gallery, which is located in the heart of London.
The Foundation’s support of The National Portrait Gallery falls under the art arm of the mission, which seeks to bring about social change and impact the lives of young people by harnessing the global arts community.
