Nepotism claims hit National Portrait Gallery over donor Zoë Law exhibition

Accusations of nepotism have emerged against London's National Portrait Gallery (NPG) regarding an exhibition by donor Zoë Law, titled 'Legends.' This showcase includes Law's portraits of notable personalities from various fields such as art, fashion, business, and entertainment. Additionally, the NPG has added Law's portrait of English musician Noel Gallagher to its permanent collection. Zoë Law, who co-founded the Law Family Charitable Foundation with her ex-husband, hedge fund manager Andrew Law, saw the foundation contribute significantly to the NPG's £40 million renovation. Following her resignation as a trustee in June 2024 during divorce proceedings, the gallery reopened in 2023 after a three-year closure. The NPG maintains that it adhered to its grants and donations policy, having consulted its ethics committee regarding the foundation's donation. The story was updated on 23 January after the NPG reached out to ArtReview, correcting a previous claim about the ethics committee's awareness of the exhibition decision.