27 July 2023: Heart of London’s award-winning consumer arts initiative, Art of London, has today revealed a new public art installation, ‘Art Re-framed’, developed in partnership with the newly reopened National Portrait Gallery (NPG).

Unveiled by actor and art enthusiast Russell Tovey to launch ‘Art of London’s Summer Season 2023: The Art of Entertainment’, the National Portrait Gallery’s most iconic portraits have been installed on over 50 giant colourful cubes lining the skies of London’s entertainment district, Leicester Square.

The public art trail features some of the world’s greatest icons across film, literature and music including William Shakespeare, Harold Pinter, Ira Aldridge, and Noel Coward; blockbuster film talent Olivia Colman, Judi Dench and Saoirse Ronan; and legendary musicians such as Elton John, Dusty Springfield, Millicent Small, and Kate Bush.

‘Art Re-framed’ is one of the West End’s largest public art initiatives and will hang over Irving Street and Coventry Street from July through to October.

Russell Tovey, actor and supporter of Art of London, said: “I am delighted to help bring world-class art out of the National Portrait Gallery and celebrate some of the world’s most famous entertainers. My own ethos is all about making art accessible and fun and I hope this creative initiative encourages members of the public to seek out the incredible art both on the streets and in galleries across the West End.”

Mark Williams, Director of Art of London, said: “Following the success of last year’s Art of London Summer Season, we’re thrilled to be back for 2023 with a new campaign in the West End celebrating individuals past and present who have made a significant contribution to art and culture. In a public art trail around London’s entertainment district, West End visitors will find the streets of the West End transformed with tributes to legendary faces across film, literature and music.”

For further information, please visit: Art of London Season 2023: The Art of Entertainment | Art of London. 

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Launched in 2021, Art of London showcases art in every form and looks to highlight the plethora of art and cultural activities available in the West End to new and existing audiences.