An exciting new art exhibition titled “Stories Brought To Life” has opened in Salford, showcasing an impressive array of larger-than-life portraits representing some of Britain’s most iconic figures—ranging from historical personalities such as Winston Churchill to contemporary stars like Ncuti Gatwa, currently renowned for his role in the television series Doctor Who. This immersive experience, integrating animation, voiceovers, and digital reproductions of famous portraits, aims to both enlighten and entertain visitors.
The exhibition is hosted by the National Portrait Gallery (NPG), marking its first foray into this dynamic format, which combines projected visuals of artwork with engaging storytelling. The purpose of this format is not only to mesmerize audiences with the splendor of British history but also to reach people who might not ordinarily visit traditional art galleries. NPG’s initiative to travel outside London is a significant move meant to broaden accessibility to its esteemed collection while gently raising necessary funds for ongoing operations.
Launching in Salford, the exhibition will subsequently tour various locations across the UK. This follows a recent trend of immersive exhibitions that have gained popularity worldwide where large-scale projections dominate the gallery space. While entry to see the original portraits at the NPG in London is free, the alluring “Stories Brought To Life” exhibition comes with a ticket price ranging from £22 to £35, raising questions about affordability amid a cost-of-living crisis.
Director of the NPG, Victoria Siddall, remarked that the dual purpose of this exhibition not only centers around reaching new audiences but also around generating revenue to sustain the gallery’s future endeavors. She highlighted that all national galleries charge for special exhibitions, and this model is essential for the museum sector’s viability. Furthermore, the NPG foresees an operating deficit for the upcoming financial year, reiterating the importance of financially viable exhibitions.
The exhibition includes around 40 captivating visual displays, each enclosed in picture frame-style boxes to project animated graphics alongside the noted portraits. Prominent figures featured include historical personalities, such as Emmeline Pankhurst and Charles Darwin, alongside cultural icons like Amy Winehouse and modern-day celebrities like Malala Yousafzai and David Bowie. Each of their stories is relayed through engaging narratives, combining music and animation to create an immersive journey through British history.
As visitors navigate the exhibition, they are treated to a fast-paced experience; each personality’s narrative lasts only a few minutes, with the entire show running for approximately 45 minutes. It concludes with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, providing a comprehensive yet digestible overview of British societal narratives.
While the excitement surrounding immersive exhibitions persists, the price of admission has raised concerns from cultural commentators. Joy Coker, editor of an arts outlet, expressed that while she views the experience as valuable, the ticket costs could become a barrier for many in the current economic climate. Despite this, she recognizes the exhibition’s capacity to provoke thought and imbue visitors with a deeper understanding of the figures represented, fostering a connection that static artworks may not achieve.
In addition to the NPG’s exhibition, the Salford area is currently experiencing a surge in immersive art, with another exhibit spotlighting the famed artist LS Lowry due for launch. This exhibit will animate Lowry’s iconic “Going To The Match” painting, presenting projections across the walls and floor, thus bringing his matchstick men to life in an engaging manner. As immersive experiences continue to captivate audiences, they offer a promising avenue for cultural engagement and education, encouraging wider public appreciation of art in the process.
This trend of digitized and interactive experiences underscores a growing desire among galleries and art institutions to evolve traditional methods of engagement, making them relevant and accessible to a broader audience. With plans to establish upcoming tours for the NPG’s exhibition and the additional low-cost immersive experience featuring Lowry, these initiatives spotlight a pivotal moment for cultural institutions to innovate and enhance the way history and art are presented and absorbed.