From the National Gallery, 12 November 2015
Rembrandt’s Self Portrait at the Age of 63, a much-loved work from the National Gallery Collection, is going on tour in January 2016 as the final painting in the three-year Masterpiece Tour.
The three UK host venues for 2016 are the Ulster Museum, Belfast; Abbot Hall, Kendal; and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery.
The Masterpiece Tour is part of the National Gallery’s commitment to promote the understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of Old Master paintings to as wide an audience as possible. This opportunity to bring hugely popular National Gallery paintings to the public’s doorstep is being made possible by the generous support of Christie’s.
Abbot Hall, Kendal
19 March – 15 May 2016
The next stop on the tour is Abbot Hall. Situated in the centre of Kendal, Abbot Hall Art Gallery offers a rich mix of art, culture, and history whilst undertaking an annual programme of innovative exhibitions. The Gallery holds many fine examples of 18th- and 19th-century painting, as well as a substantial collection of work by Ruskin. Modern artists include German refugee Kurt Schwitters, who also had a local connection – spending his final years in the area – while contemporary works by Bridget Riley, David Hockney, and Lucian Freud are also shown.
Helen Watson, Director of Exhibitions and Collection, Lakeland Arts, says:
“Abbot Hall Art Gallery is thrilled to have been selected to take part in the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour for 2016. We wait with great anticipation for the arrival of Rembrandt’s magnificent work to Abbot Hall. The loan of this work continues Abbot Hall’s reputation of bringing major works of art to Cumbria and the North West. We will also take this opportunity to show works from our own collection focusing upon portraiture. This will include portraits of Lady Anne Clifford, who was alive at the same time as Rembrandt, and also the monumental ‘The Great Picture Triptych’ painted in 1646, featuring Lady Anne’s family history and accomplishments.”