‘Grumpy middle-aged man’ Noel Gallagher to be added to National Portrait Gallery
Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher has said he is “thrilled and honoured” as a “grumpy middle-aged man, who hates having his picture taken” to have his image added to the National Portrait Gallery.
The picture of Gallagher, taken by photographer Zoe Law, will go on display for the first time on November 29, as part of the London gallery’s Legends exhibition, which will feature 100 portraits taken by Law of people who have influenced her life and career.
The image of Gallagher will remain part of the gallery’s permanent collection once the exhibition ends on March 2 2025.
Other stars included in the display of black and white photos are England World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton, actor Orlando Bloom, and a never-before-seen picture of Canadian actress Kim Cattrall.
Speaking about having a picture of himself in the gallery, Gallagher said: “I am thrilled and honoured to have my portrait added to the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection.
“The thought of the portrait of a grumpy middle-aged man, who frankly hates having his picture taken, being permanently displayed for future generations to marvel at is very special. Thanks and praise.”
Law said having her photo of Gallagher become part of the gallery’s permanent collection is “the greatest honour”.
She said: “It is the greatest honour that my portrait of the legend Noel Gallagher has been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery – a lasting legacy that all portrait photographers and artists dream of.”
It comes after Gallagher and his brother Liam announced that their band, Oasis, will be reuniting for a run of UK and Ireland gigs next year for the first time since breaking up in 2009.
Sabina Jaskot-Gill, senior curator of photographs at the gallery, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have recently acquired Zoe Law’s portrait of Noel Gallagher for the National Portrait Gallery’s photographs collection.
“I am really looking forward to seeing more of her Legends exhibited across our studio gallery and spotlight space in what promises to be an exciting and innovative display.
“I hope that these striking monochromatic portraits – which celebrate the diversity of British cultural life – help inspire the next generation of photographers and visitors to the National Portrait Gallery.”
