Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer has enjoyed a relationship with London's National Portrait Gallery since 2004, supporting numerous exhibitions and on major projects such as the Gallery's reopening in June 2023 and sponsoring its esteemed exhibition – The Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award. More about HSF Kramer's long-standing partnership with the Gallery, as well as recent developments, can be read below.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Marc Dalessio wins the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026 for his captivating portrait of neighbour
The Young Artist Award goes to Joel Nichols for their portrait In Our Borderlands.
L-R: Jean-Denis, 2025 by Marc Dalessio © Marc Dalessio; In Our Borderlands, 2025 by Joel Nichols © Joel Nichols
Marc Dalessio has won first prize in the prestigious Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026 for his portrait Jean-Denis.
Chloe Cox was awarded the second prize for What's Mine is Yours, and third prize went to Michael Slusakowicz for Charlie and Magda. Joel Nichols wins the Young Artist Award for their portrait In Our Borderlands.
The winning portraits are now on display as part of the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026. The exhibition features 51 portraits, selected for display by a panel of judges comprised of Senior Curator at the Turner Contemporary, Melissa Blanchflower; digital artist and set designer, Es Devlin; contemporary curator, Amy Emmerson Martin; and artist and Director of the Slade, Mary Evans.
Our Longstanding Relationship (2004-2026)
An interview with 2024 finalist Isabella Watling
The 2025 National Portrait Gallery Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award finalists have been announced, and as we celebrate this year’s cohort, we’re also taking a moment to look back at the powerful work recognised in 2024. Among them is Zizi, a life-size portrait by Isabella Watling, awarded second prize in last year’s award. Painted entirely from life and under natural light, the work reflects Isabella’s dedication to traditional portrait techniques and to capturing her sitter’s presence through close observation.
In this short interview, Isabella shares the inspiration behind Zizi, her journey as an artist, and what it meant to be recognised by the Gallery.
As long-standing supporters of the National Portrait Gallery, we value the opportunity to share the work of artists like Isabella and continue to celebrate the stories behind the portraits.
News
Marc Dalessio wins the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026 for his captivating portrait of neighbour
Marc Dalessio has won first prize in the prestigious Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026 for his portrait Jean-Denis
National Portrait Gallery announces shortlist for the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2026
Four artists have been shortlisted for prizes, with 52 portraits selected for final display in a free exhibition opening on 25 June 2026
Moira Cameron announced as winner of the Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer Portrait Award 2025
The National Portrait Gallery’s celebrated painting competition returns for its 43rd year, with a striking self-portrait by artist Moira Cameron named as …
Supporting the best in contemporary portraiture
We are delighted to continue supporting the National Portrait Gallery, as we have since 2004. We are proud that our collaboration ensures that the renowned and global competition continues to grow, and allows incredible works of art to be freely accessed by hundreds of thousands of people every year in a beautifully curated exhibition.
Justin D'Agostino, Global CEO, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer