Continuing a series of thematic explorations of the Collection, this display draws together historic and contemporary portraits that record and affirm the bonds of friendship. Featuring a diverse range of works, including photographs of Morecambe and Wise and Elizabeth Taylor with David Bowie, the portraits share a sense of the pleasure, comfort or stimulation experienced in the company of friends. Alongside recently acquired photographs, including George Harrison with Ravi Shankar, is the earliest known oil self-portrait produced in England, Gerlach Flicke’s double portrait with the pirate Henry Strangwish, which was painted in 1554 when the pair were imprisoned in the Tower of London.
