Human, Timeless, Contemporary
National Portrait Gallery reopens with support from HSF as the reopening partner
Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) has enjoyed a relationship with London's National Portrait Gallery since 2004, supporting numerous exhibitions and on major projects such as the Gallery's reopening in June 2023 and sponsoring its esteemed exhibition – The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award. More about HSF's long-standing partnership with the Gallery, as well as recent developments, can be read below.
The Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award makes a welcome return to the National Portrait Gallery for 2024. The prestigious competition showcases the very best in contemporary portrait painting and is open to everyone aged eighteen and over. Since its inception over 40 years ago, the competition has attracted over 40,000 entries from more than 100 countries and the exhibition has been seen by over 6 million people.
Our Longstanding Relationship (2004-2024)
Between 2004-2007 the firm supported the Gallery's exhibitions and its 150th anniversary before becoming its annual Spring Season partner in 2008. In 2023, the new National Portrait Gallery reopened with support from Herbert Smith Freehills as the Gallery's reopening partner. The firm is pleased to continue it's 20-year partnership as sponsor of the Gallery's esteemed portrait painting competition, the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award.
Over the course of 20 years of partnership, we have supported the numerous world-class exhibitions:
News
13 November 2023
Herbert Smith Freehills becomes headline sponsor for National Portrait Gallery's flagship portrait award
22 June 2023
National Portrait Gallery reopens in partnership with Herbert Smith Freehills
Home to the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, the Gallery reopened on 22 June 2023 with Herbert Smith Freehills as Reopening Partner. …
15 December 2022
National Portrait Gallery to reopen to the public in June 2023
Supporting the best in contemporary portraiture
Art has long been recognised for its power to connect and embrace differences. It's an approach which matches the values that Herbert Smith Freehills holds close. We're delighted to enhance our relationship with the National Portrait Gallery through our sponsorship of the Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award.
Justin D'Agostino Chief Executive Officer, Herbert Smith Freehills
The new Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award will continue to showcase the best in contemporary portrait painting and provide opportunities for a new generation of talented portraitists. I look forward to seeing the shortlisted works on the walls of our newly renovated galleries.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan Director of the National Portrait Gallery