National Gallery launches a new monthly conversation series

The National Gallery has announced a new monthly series called Picture This, hosted by broadcaster John Wilson, known for the BBC’s This Cultural Life. The series will feature leading figures from fashion, science, music, literature, gastronomy, and film, who will reflect on their life and work through the lens of a painting from the Gallery’s collection.

John Wilson. Image credit Tricia Yourkevich

The inaugural event features British model and writer Erin O’Connor MBE, who rose to fame in the 1990s for her dynamic runway performances with designers including Alexander McQueen and Christian Dior. Following months will include the Gallery’s first artist-in-residence Maggi Hambling CBE discussing Rembrandt’s Self Portrait at the Age of 63, actor David Harewood OBE, and Sir Michael Palin examining Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire.

Maggi Hambling CBE. Image credit Laura Bailey

Using advanced technology in the Pigott Lecture Theatre, artworks will be displayed in stunning detail, giving audiences an intimate view of each piece. The series will also offer paid work experience to young people from the National Gallery’s Articulation programme, helping them develop research, presentation, and communication skills through engagement with art.

David Harewood. Image credit Danny Karisye.

Picture This will take place in the newly refurbished Pigott Lecture Theatre in the Sainsbury Wing and will be broadcast live online. Tickets are available to members from 16 February and to the general public from 20 February.

Season One Dates:

27 March 2026  Erin O’Connor

10 April 2026     Maggi Hambling

15 May 2026   David Harewood

26 June 2026      Sir Michael Palin

3 July 2026         To be announced  

Location: Pigott Lecture Theatre The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN. Price: In person: £22 (£17 concession). Online: £10. Book now