Museums And Archives

Preserving William Dobson’s Self-Portrait c.1639

Tate and the National Portrait Gallery (the NPG) will work in partnership to acquire William Dobson’s earliest known painting, ‘Self-Portrait’ c.1639 for the national collection, catalysing national engagement, pride and support for this preeminent artwork. Currently under threat of leaving the UK, this masterful work is critical to our national heritage, representing the first great British-born painter at a key moment in his brief career. Upon acquisition, we will make ‘Self-Portrait’ permanently accessible to the public and orchestrate a tour and engagement programme at Tate, the NPG and at least two other UK cultural institutions, ensuring this historically significant item can be accessed by the widest possible audience. This will include displays, a programme of co-created activities and digital access. Altogether, this will spotlight an important painter who is at risk of being forgotten and transform public understanding of his undeniable yet lesser-known influence on the trajectory of British art.