The National Gallery’s ‘Grand Tour’

Who helped turn the streets of London into an outdoor gallery in 2007?

Imagine you're shopping in central London when you notice something out of the ordinary. Isn't that Claude Monet's 'The Water-Lily Pond' hanging in the street? Or you're at the theatre when 'Surprised!' by Henri Rousseau pops out at you on Shaftesbury Avenue.

In 2007, many theatregoers, diners and shoppers experienced this during the National Gallery’s ‘The Grand Tour’. Over 12 weeks, parts of London were transformed into an outdoor gallery. So, how was this impressive initiative created?

Image: Replica of ‘Surprised!’ by Henri Rousseau in London’s Chinatown, 2007

Recreating the paintings

In collaboration with HP, it was decided that 30 full-size replicas would be created for display across London's streets as part of a contemporary ‘Grand Tour’. This included works by Botticelli, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.

To make the replicas look like the works of art in the Gallery, they needed to be framed. The professional framing company Simon Robinson & Son was chosen for the job. They framed each of the prints as if they were still hanging in the Gallery.

Information was also displayed next to the paintings so people could learn about the art.

Image: Replica of ’Self Portrait at the Age of 34’ by Rembrandt in London, 2007

Inspired by the past

So, where did the name the 'Grand Tour' come from? Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, upper-class men would take trips across Europe. It was seen as a 'rite of passage' after leaving formal education. As part of the tour, they would often visit galleries, meet artists and bring home new knowledge of European art.

Former Gallery Director Sir Charles Eastlake also went on annual tours around Europe, especially Italy, to find suitable paintings to acquire for the collection. He also used the trips to increase his art historical knowledge and expand his professional network.

These adventures inspired the outdoor exhibition. In 2007, both locals and tourists had the opportunity to discover great paintings just by touring London's streets.

Image: Sir Charles Lock Eastlake (1793-1865)

Following the success of the 'Grand Tour', the National Gallery has continued to display paintings and replicas outside its walls. Since 2014, we have run the 'National Gallery Masterpiece Tour'. This offers UK museums, galleries and art centres the opportunity to display major works from our collection inside their spaces.

For the Gallery's 200th birthday, paintings from the collection were sent out on the road again. 'National Treasures' has seen 12 well-loved paintings travel to 12 venues across the UK. It's thanks to all the people here at the Gallery and our partner organisations that we can bring the collection to ever wider audiences.