Readers defend gallery display practices against 'art overload' criticism

In reaction to a Guardian piece that condemned art galleries for exhibiting excessive amounts of work, readers Dr. Penelope Jackson, Sue Lewis, and Fiona Willan contend that these institutions are under conflicting pressures. They highlight that while guests are encouraged not to view every artwork, galleries also face backlash for not showcasing enough of their collections. For instance, the National Gallery in London displays around 40% of its holdings, surpassing Tate Britain, which presents only a small portion, while the National Portrait Gallery would find it challenging to exhibit its entire collection. The authors of the letter stress that galleries are in a difficult position, aiming to display as much as feasible without mandating that visitors see every piece.