Portraits of early English kings

One of the largest sets of portraits of early English kings and queens is on display at the National Portrait Gallery (London) for the first time in 36 years. The 16 portraits, from William I to Mary I, are usually on loan to Montacute House, Somerset, but have been brought to the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Making Art in Tudor Britain research project.

The portraits and the results of the research feature in a display Picturing History: A Portrait Set of Early Kings and Queens will be showcased at the National Portrait Gallery until December 4.
 
The portraits previously belonged to the collection of the Duke of Leeds and were purchased by the National Portrait Gallery in 1974, when they were last on display in the Gallery, before being loaned to Montacute House in 1975. The bold colours and linear style suggest that they were intended to be seen from a distance, in domestic interiors, institutions and civic buildings.
 
Date: until December 4.
Location: National Portrait Gallery. St Martin's Place. London. WC2H 0HE.
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Thursday and Friday from 10am to 9pm.