The National Gallery in Westminster, London, is home to one of the richest collections of Western European paintings in the world. Founded in 1824, the gallery houses over 2,300 works dating from the mid-13th century to 1900. The establishment was initially started with just 38 paintings purchased from the banker John Julius Angerstein.
The building's façade, designed by William Wilkins, is a notable example of Greek Revival architecture. The gallery was later expanded by architects such as E. M. Barry and Robert Venturi.
A lesser-known fact is that during World War II, to protect the collection from potential bombings, the paintings were moved to a slate quarry in Manod, North Wales. The gallery remained open during the war, and its empty rooms were used for lunchtime concerts by the pianist Myra Hess, boosting public morale.
The National Gallery's collection includes works from iconic artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Johannes Vermeer, and Claude Monet. One of its most famous pieces is van Gogh's Sunflowers, which has drawn millions of visitors.
The gallery also holds the only portrait of the notorious Renaissance prince Cesare Borgia, painted by Altobello Melone. Another hidden gem is the painting The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck, which is renowned for its intricate detail and use of symbolism.
A fascinating aspect of the gallery is its dedication to accessibility and public education. It offers free entry to its permanent collection and provides a range of educational programs. The gallery's Art Detective initiative engages the public in solving mysteries about lesser-known artworks in British public collections.
In 2014, the gallery opened the Sainsbury Wing, designed by architects Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown. This wing showcases early Renaissance art and was named after the supermarket magnate Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover, who funded its construction.
The gallery also employs advanced conservation techniques. Its scientific department was established in 1934, one of the first of its kind, to study the materials and techniques of the paintings. The gallery's conservation efforts have garnered international acclaim, particularly the restoration of Piero della Francesca's The Baptism of Christ.
Overall, the National Gallery is not just a repository of art but a dynamic institution contributing to the cultural and educational landscape of London and the world.