Following my emotional experience at the Sargent & Fashion exhibition at Tate Britain, I made my way to the National Portrait Gallery. My phone battery, unfortunately, didn’t survive the day, a consequence of taking so many photos at the Sargent exhibition, so I could only capture a few images here. But perhaps that was a blessing in disguise. Without the distraction of documenting every moment, I found myself even more immersed in the experience.
Walking through the gallery, I was struck by a wave of emotions that took me by surprise. Seeing so many iconic artworks, many of which I had grown up admiring in books, suddenly in front of me was overwhelming. It was as if my younger self, who spent hours poring over art history books, was standing beside me. I can only describe it as food for the soul—an indescribable connection to the art that reignited my passion and filled me with inspiration.
One of the first portraits to catch my eye was the one of William and Kate. It’s a stunning work, but I found it a little too contrasty for my taste. It felt as though the artist might have drawn too much inspiration from high-contrast photographs, which gave it a slightly dramatic feel. Still, it was fascinating to see such a contemporary piece alongside the more traditional works that lined the gallery walls.
This visit had been a long time coming. My trip to London to see the Sargent exhibition and especially the National Portrait Gallery was something I’d dreamed of doing for years. It lived up to every expectation and more. Experiencing the depth, texture, and presence of these portraits in person was something no reproduction could ever match.
As I reflect on the day, I’m reminded of how vital it is to seek out these moments of inspiration. Viewing these incredible works of art wasn’t just a highlight of my trip; it was the highlight of 2025 for me. I came away with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper connection to the art I love, and a head full of ideas for my own creative journey.
