In Bloom explores the beauty and symbolism of flowers. Featuring more than 50 portraits from the collection, new acquisitions and selected loans, you will discover how flowers have long been used in art to express emotion and convey messages of personal, cultural and religious significance.
The show is a weird and wonderful floral extravaganza that includes much-loved and lesser-known works from the National Portrait Gallery collection. See socialites, chefs, musicians, actors, doctors and politicians who are all unified by their accompanying floral markers.
1 Her Majesty, The Queen, Elizabeth II (Blue), 2001 Polly Borland. © Polly Borland, Currently on display. 2 Portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch, 2000 Australian Tapestry Workshop, Merrill Dumbrell, Christopher Pyett, Normana Wight. © Australian Tapestry Workshop, Currently on display. 3 Don Dunstan, 1992-1993 (printed 2019) Robin Sellick. © Robin Sellick, Currently on display. 4 Margaret Olley, 1998 Lewis Morley. © Lewis Morley Archive LLC, Currently on display.
Access information
This program is wheelchair accessible.
Warning: The exhibition includes a video work containing flashing imagery which may not be suitable for those with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.