The National Portrait Gallery’s new exhibition is under fire for alleged nepotism linked to its photographer, Zoë Law, and her connections.
London: The National Portrait Gallery has been a staple of British culture for over 50 years. But its latest exhibition, featuring Zoë Law, is stirring up some serious talk.
Opened in November 2024, the show includes striking black-and-white portraits of famous faces like Noel Gallagher and Kim Cattrall. It’s free to see and runs until March 2025, with some pieces even joining the gallery’s permanent collection.
But here’s the kicker: Zoë Law has ties to a major donor, the Law Family Charitable Foundation, which helped fund the gallery’s recent £41 million renovation. This connection has raised eyebrows.
Law, who used to be a celebrity make-up artist, was a trustee of the foundation until last year. She stepped down during her divorce from hedge fund manager Andrew Law, who still runs the foundation.
People are feeling uneasy about the whole situation. A group called Museum as Muck pointed out that relying on wealthy donors can skew the priorities of cultural institutions.
Photographer Harry Borden expressed his confusion, noting that Law seemed to pop up out of nowhere with this big exhibition. He found it odd, especially since her background was in fundraising and makeup.
Even artist Jesse Darling didn’t hold back, saying it highlights how art often favors the wealthy. The exhibition features portraits of Law’s “dear friends,” which adds to the controversy.
Noel Gallagher himself joked about his portrait being displayed, but the gallery insists they followed proper procedures. They consulted their ethics committee regarding the donation and the exhibition.
In the end, the National Portrait Gallery stands by its decision, claiming that this exhibition is just one part of a broader program aimed at celebrating diverse artistic voices.
