Journeys in Beadwork
Athletes and Olympians
Until 8 April
Drawn from the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection, Athletes and Olympians brings together a selection of portraits of great British sporting stars, many of whom have won medals at previous Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Highlights of the exhibition will include photographic portraits of Olympic gold medallists Dame Kelly Holmes and Sebastian Coe, and boxing world champion Amir Khan. Also included in the exhibition will be a digital portrait of award-winning swimmer Duncan Goodhew, a series of 24 drawings of Sir Steve Redgrave by renowned artist Dryden Goodwin and Sam Taylor-Wood’s video portrait of David Beckham sleeping.
Journeys in Beadwork
21 April – 2 September 2012
This international exhibition, presented in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Bay Art Museum, Port Elizabeth, explores the fascinating history of South African beadwork, with a special focus on the beadwork of the Mfengu people of the Eastern Cape. For generations an essential feature of clothing and accessories worn on special occasions, beadwork is now a symbol of the new South Africa.
The exhibition will be complemented by a display of contemporary fashion inspired by traditional beadwork, featuring new work from South African fashion designer Laduma Ngxokolo.