National Portrait Gallery Celebrates Black British Stars [@NPGLondon]

The National Portrait Gallery has announced that it will be showcasing  thirty seven black British stars in an exhibition open to the public next year. Some of the stars captured for this exhibition include Dizzee Rascal, New British Vogue Editor Edward Enninful, Naomi Campbell, Journalist Sir Trevor Mcdonald and Actress Thandie Newton.

Black culture has had a substantial influence on British culture whether people like to acknowledge it or not. Some of the figures presented in this exhibition have paved the way for many people of colour to be accepted in fields such as Fashion, Journalism & Music. It’s great that the National Portrait Gallery is paying homage to these incredible black public figures who have helped shaped the entertainment industry. Their achievements has opened the door for many of our young thriving stars today.

 “These striking portraits of black British sitters powerfully reflect the diversity and variety of contemporary British achievement in public life.” – Gallery director Nicholas Cullinan

The photographs were taken by Simon Frederick. They were originally taken for BBC Two documentary Black Is The New Black. He has donated the entire portfolio to the gallery.