Discover the intriguing story behind the iconic National Portrait Gallery painting of British-Jamaican Crimean War nurse Mary Seacole.

Everyone is familiar with the now iconic portrait of Mary Seacole that hangs in the National Portrait Gallery, a painting which has become an beacon of inspiration to many Black people in the UK and beyond. But how many know the extraordinary story of the portrait’s discovery – a discovery made completely by chance and which saved it from being lost to us forever?

In this illustrated talk author Dr Helen Rappaport explains how she discovered the portrait in 2002, how she authenticated it with the help of experts at the National Portrait Gallery and uncovered the life of its unknown artist, Albert Charles Challen.

When you book, you will receive confirmation. The link to join the event will be emailed to you in the 24 hours before the event starts. This event will be delivered on Zoom.