National Gallery's 200th Anniversary Rehang Emphasizes Art Over Politics
To celebrate its 200th anniversary, the National Gallery in London has undertaken a significant reorganization of its collection after the Sainsbury Wing's three-year closure. The entrance of the Sainsbury Wing has been redesigned by architect Annabelle Selldorf in a £35 million initiative, replacing the earlier design by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown. The rehang, orchestrated by Christine Riding and Gabriele Finaldi, presents artworks in a chronological and school-based layout, thoughtfully addressing themes like slavery and colonialism. It includes 18 Rembrandts and a notable Turner-Constable comparison, with pieces borrowed from private collections. Established in 1838 to bridge social divides, the gallery faced criticism from King Charles III, who labeled the Sainsbury Wing a 'monstrous carbuncle.' Bendor Grosvenor commends the rehang for evoking 'exalted happiness.'
Key facts
- The National Gallery completed a rehang for its 200th anniversary.
- The Sainsbury Wing entrance was redesigned by Annabelle Selldorf as part of a £35 million project.
- The rehang avoids contemporary political impositions on historical art.
- Labels inform about slavery and colonialism but do not hector.
- The display includes 18 Rembrandts in one room and a Turner-Constable face-off.
- Tate Britain's 2023 rehang used contemporary interventions and loud narrations.
- British works were largely transferred to the Tate Gallery in 1919.
- The gallery was founded in 1838 with a political aim to unite social classes.
Entities
Artists
- Bendor Grosvenor
- William Wilkins
- Robert Venturi
- Denise Scott Brown
- Annabelle Selldorf
- Christine Riding
- Gabriele Finaldi
- Paul Gray
- Sir Robert Peel
- King Charles III
- Turner
- Constable
- Rembrandt
- Titian
Institutions
- National Gallery
- Tate Britain
- Tate Gallery
- British Museum
- ABK Architects
- Royal Collection
- ArtReview
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Trafalgar Square
- Pall Mall
- New York
- Florence