Naomi Campbell and Thandie Newton are among the black British stars whose portraits will go on display at London’s National Portrait Gallery next year (18).
Artfully shot photographs of 37 famous Britons with Afro-Caribbean heritage have been acquired by gallery chiefs and will go on display in an exhibition opening next November (18).
Other stars whose pictures will hang in the gallery include musicians Dizzee Rascal, Tinie Tempah and Laura Mvula, and Homeland actor David Harewood.
The portraits were originally taken by photographer Simon Frederick for the BBC’s 2016 documentary Black is the New Black, which explored the life experiences of black Britons. Frederick has donated the entire portfolio of images to the art museum.
National Portrait Gallery director Nicholas Cullinan told the BBC, “Photographing with sensitivity and insight, Simon Frederick has made extraordinary portraits of some of the most influential Britons of our time.
“We are proud to welcome these works into our collection, where they will be seen, enjoyed, and celebrated for generations to come.”
Other well-known figures whose portraits will go on display include Labour politician Chuka Umunna, sports stars Denise Lewis and Les Ferdinand and John Sentamu, Britain’s first black Archbishop.
