National Portrait Gallery Announces Shortlist for Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026
The National Portrait Gallery announced the shortlist for the 44th Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award on 18 May 2026. Four artists were selected from 1,474 entries submitted by artists from 63 countries, with 52 portraits chosen for a free exhibition at the gallery opening 25 June 2026 and running through 7 October 2026. The judging panel included Melissa Blanchflower, Es Devlin, Amy Emmerson Martin and Mary Evans. Prizes include £35,000 for first place, £12,000 for second, £10,000 for third and £9,000 for the Young Artist Award.
The Signal
The award continues to serve as a major platform for portrait painters aged 18 and over, having drawn more than 50,000 entries from over 100 countries since its launch and attracted more than 6 million exhibition visitors. Shortlisted artists include Chloe Cox, Marc Dalessio, Joel Nichols and Michael Slusakowicz. The competition’s scale and prize structure signal sustained institutional commitment to figurative portraiture at a time when many museums prioritise other media.
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- Artists: Chloe Cox, Marc Dalessio, Joel Nichols, Michael Slusakowicz
- People: Melissa Blanchflower, Es Devlin, Amy Emmerson Martin, Mary Evans
- Museums: National Portrait Gallery
- Locations: London
- Prices: £35,000, £12,000, £10,000, £9,000
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