Make your Spring 2019 Corporate Event Only Human.
The National Portrait Gallery, London is an iconic venue with a wide range of spectacular spaces available for hire. The remarkable array of galleries can accommodate anything from breakfasts to receptions and dinners. From contemporary to classic, events held here are truly special. At Golborne we specialise in working within unique venues of London, which is why the versatility of the National Portrait Gallery makes it one of our favourite spaces to host events.
In spring 2019, the Gallery will host a very special exhibition celebrating one of the most widely celebrated photographers of our time.
Show your human side with the unmissable Only Human: Photographs by Martin Parr Exhibition.
The National Portrait Gallery is set to stage a major new exhibition of works by Martin Parr from 7 March – 27 May 2019, featuring portraits of people from around the world. This offers a unique opportunity to create an impressive private view event to show your clients that as a business you have your finger on the creative, social and cultural pulse.
“The exhibition examines national identity today, both in the UK and abroad, with a special focus on Parr's wry observations of Britishness. By turns witty, surprising, and ingenious, Parr's photographs highlight the eccentricities of modern life with affection and insight.
Although best known for capturing ordinary people, Only Human: Photographs by Martin Parr will reveal a selection of portraits of renowned personalities, most of which have never been shown publicly before, including fashion legends Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith, contemporary artists Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry, and football icon Pelé.
Combining some of Parr's most famous works with many not previously exhibited, Only Human: Photographs by Martin Parr will focus on one of his most engaging subjects - people.”
- National Portrait Gallery.
Golborne Bespoke: Let us walk you through it
The National Portrait Gallery is a truly exceptional venue for your spring 2019 event, and we think that a private view of this ground-breaking exhibition offers the perfect opportunity to impress your guests. There is a danger with some temporary exhibitions for guests to arrive, quickly view the exhibition and then depart - we feel this is a wasted opportunity which is easily solved by careful planning. By formatting the event with a particular flow in mind, we are able to capture your guests’ attention for longer, create value by utilising as many spaces as possible, and stage an interesting journey which will make your corporate event a success.
As an example, here is how we would stage a reception for 200 guests utilising three gallery spaces including Only Human: Photographs by Martin Parr:
Drinks and Canapés in the Victorian Galleries, First Floor
The stunning layout of the Victorian Galleries offers a striking backdrop to host a reception. Magnificent marble busts line the central transept, complementing the spectacular design of these galleries. On arrival, guests will be directed to the Victorian Galleries where welcome drinks, canapés and bowl food can be served. This traditional and grand space needs minimal production as it is already breath-taking. The capacity here is 200 guests, but for larger parties we can utilise the adjacent early 20th Century Galleries or the Balcony Gallery to accommodate overflow.
After champagne and canapés have been flowing for around 45 minutes we would then open up the staircase via the Balcony Gallery and direct guests down to the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall.
Cocktails & Sweet Treats in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall, Ground Floor
The dramatic double height space of the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall provides a uniquely versatile event space, offering you the opportunity to host branded events, product launches, receptions and pop-up exhibitions. This contemporary space is a complete blank canvas which allows us to be more creative when dressing the space and provides ample branding opportunities.
Following the initial drinks reception and canapés upstairs, once in the Ondaatje Wing Main Hall we would serve your guests espresso martinis and mini desserts from a floating pudding stall. We can create this by installing a bespoke fascia to the ticket desk, and using Perspex shelving to house the dessert station. The Ondaatje Wing Main Hall is adjacent to the Lerner Galleries temporary exhibition space and thus works seamlessly with a private view of Only Human: Photographs by Martin Parr.
Only Human: Photographs by Martin Parr, Lerner & Wolfson Galleries, Ground Floor
The fresh feel of the Lerner Galleries offers a vibrant venue for a party and the perfect backdrop to accompany the exhibition. Here your guests will experience the impressive selection of Martin Parr’s work, including ‘Britain in the time of Brexit’ which reveal Parr’s take on the social climate in the aftermath of the EU referendum.
The exhibition will also focus on the British Abroad, and Parr’s long-term study of the British ‘Establishment’ including recent photographs taken at Christ’s Hospital School in Sussex, Oxford and Cambridge Universities and the City of London.
Another aspect of the exhibition focuses on the unforgettable self-portraits Parr has made throughout his career. For over 30 years, Parr has visited studio photographers, street photographers and photo booths across the globe to have his portrait taken. The resulting Autoportraits raise questions about portraiture and the business of portrait photography, showcasing a range of fascinating and often humorous settings employed by professional portraitists.
To enhance your event further, the National Portrait Gallery also offers you the opportunity to include guided tours or talks about the exhibition with specialist expert guides. Alternatively, guests could freely explore the exhibition, and soak up the creative genius of Martin Parr in their own time.
Variety of flexible spaces
This is just one example of how the space can be used, but there are many options available depending on capacity and time of day.
The National Portrait Gallery is available for exclusive hire on Monday to Thursday evenings from 18.30, and throughout the week from 08.00 to 10.00 for breakfast events. Additionally, the Portrait Restaurant is also available for private receptions and dinners, including Saturday and Sunday evenings. If you’re thinking of hosting a presentation, panel discussion or awards ceremony, the fully equipped Ondaatje Wing Theatre can be hired as part of an evening or breakfast event.
We are leading London event planners for dry hire spaces and are here to help you make the most of your corporate event. Don’t miss your chance to host a private view of this exhibition, contact us to create your spring 2019 Only Human event with Golborne Events & the National Portrait Gallery, London.
Only Human: Photographs by Martin Parr, 7 March – 27 May 2019 at the National Portrait Gallery, London www.npg.org.uk
Image credits: the National Portrait Gallery
