Uncovering hidden histories in British portraiture
Discover how forgotten sitters from the global majority are being identified and brought to life in historic British portraits in this free upcoming talk.
Join Sarah Okpokam, Project Curator at the National Portrait Gallery, for a fascinating look at the Archive Survey Project, which aims to uncover and identify sitters from the global majority in historic British portraiture. Many of these figures, often racialised as ‘other than White’, have been overlooked or lost in the Gallery’s collections.
Using the Heinz Archive and Library, volunteers work with curators to make these portraits more accessible, providing valuable resources for research into the histories of these individuals. Beyond identification, the project also explores the broader context of how sitters were recorded, represented, and sometimes rendered invisible by artists, collectors, and curators over the centuries.
This talk forms part of Fulham Palace’s Black History 365 series, highlighting marginalised voices and bringing new perspectives to British history.
Book your free place now to see history through a new lens and learn how hidden lives are being rediscovered.
About the speaker
Sarah Okpokam is Project Curator at the National Portrait Gallery, working on the Archive Survey Project to uncover and contextualise portraits of sitters from the global majority.
Event details:
- This talk is part of the Black History 365 series.
- This talk is suitable for ages 16+.
- For any questions about this event, please contact a member of our team by emailing reception@fulhampalace.org.
- This is an education programme event. Learn more about our terms & conditions.
- Image: Ignatius Sancho by Unknown artist, after Thomas Gainsborough watercolour and bodycolour on ivory, circa 1802-1820 NPG 7063 © National Portrait Gallery, London and Gainsborough’s House Society
