UK National Portrait Gallery accused of nepotism for latest photography exhibition

The National Portrait Gallery in the UK (NPG) faces allegations of nepotism after hosting a photography exhibition by a major contributor to its £41.3 million renovation.

The current exhibition in question titled Legends by Zoe Law which features more than 100 works that she has taken since starting photography 10 years ago.

The photographs featured in the exhibition have been criticised by numerous cultural figures as too "pedestrian" for display in such a prestigious and renowned institution. The gallery is among the most difficult in the world to exhibit in, and securing a spot often elevates an artist’s status, significantly increasing both their collectability and market value.

If this sounds like a case of 'sour grapes' by other artists, you can view the images here and decide for yourself.



Zoe was married to Andrew Law (divorced early 2024), a hedge fund manager. Their trust The Law Family Charitable Foundation was a key donor to the latest gallery refurbishment. At the time of the exhibitions acceptance into the NPG, Zoe had already withdrawn from the Foundation.

As reported by The Guardian, Museum as Muck, a network for working-class art practitioners, said: “Government funding for cultural institutions should remain independent from the influence of wealthy benefactors. Relying on additional funds from the affluent can skew the priorities of these institutions, granting undue influence on a select few.”

The NPG has defended their decision by stating that works that are accepted into the collection should also reflect "the national and historical importance of the sitter'. Sitters included in the exhibition are: Noel Gallagher, Kim Cattrall, Orlando Bloom, Irvine Welsh, Goldie, Sir Rod Stewart and Sienna Miller.

One thing for certain is that 'any news is good news' means that Zoe Law has come to the attention of the art world now.

The exhibition is showing until 2 March 2025.