Bern Schwartz: Portraits of the 1970s

Enjoy a fantastic free photography exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery this summer.

A new display at the National Portrait Gallery will show a selection of one of the biggest-ever gifts to the Gallery, 140 of the most iconic photographs of famous 20th century British subjects.

The photographs are by Bern Schwartz (1914-1978), a Californian who turned to photography in his early sixties after a successful career in business. Taken between 1975 and 1978 they include portraits of Margaret Thatcher, Rudolf Nureyev, John Gielgud, Peggy Ashcroft, Lord Denning, the Prince of Wales, A J Ayer, Tony Benn, Zandra Rhodes and Twiggy.
 
The gift presented by the Bernard Lee Schwartz Foundation comprises portraits of some of the most prominent figures from British life in the late 1970s, including actors, politicians, artists, academics and royalty. The portraits often capture the subjects in surroundings reflecting their personality, life and work. Henry Moore is pictured in his studio with his sculpture, Peggy Ashcroft is shown in front of Walter Sickert's portrait of her in Venice, Margot Fonteyn sits by her painted portrait by Pietro Annigoni, John Gielgud is at home in his Buckinghamshire villa, while David Hockney is seen in his studio with his self-portrait and painting, My Parents.

The exhibition runs from Friday July 11th to Sunday January 4th. The National Portrait Gallery is open daily form 10am to 6pm and to 9pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

Find out more about events at the National Portrait Gallery.

How to get there

The closest tube and train station to Trafalgar Square is Charring Cross.

If on the bus the 3, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 23, 24, 29, 53, 87, 88, 91, 139, 159, 176 and the 453 all serve Trafalgar Square.