From the lifeboatmen of Fowey to a hairdresser, people from many different walks of life are captured on canvas in the extraordinary People’s Portraits exhibition housed at Girton College. The collection originated as a millennial exhibition mounted by the Royal Society of Portrait Painters.
After being seen by over one million people on its tour of England in 2000, it has since resided in the beautiful surrounds of Girton College on long-term loan and Girton very much welcomes visitors to view this fascinating exhibition.
People’s Portraits reflects a cross-section of people’s lives in the United Kingdom at the beginning of the 21st Century. The high calibre of the artists, all of whom are members of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, gives the exhibition a rich diversity of subjects and styles.
The original exhibition is continually growing thanks to the ongoing generosity of those newly-elected members of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters who donate a portrait to the collection, so there is always something new to see. Each portrait is accompanied by its very own story, enabling the paintings to truly come to life.
Take a look at just some of the works on display:
Open every day, 2pm – 4pm (free entry); and at other times by appointment. Groups wishing to visit the collection should book in advance.
Address: Girton College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0JG
Telephone: 01223 338990
