An innovative and immersive art experience titled "Stories – Brought to Life," focusing on the collection of the National Portrait Gallery, is set to debut at MediaCity in Salford this weekend. The event is scheduled to open on Friday, 2 May, and will continue until Sunday, 31 August, providing visitors with an extensive three-month window to engage with this unique exhibition. Following its Salford run, the experience is expected to travel on a national tour, with additional dates yet to be confirmed.
Produced by FRAMELESS Creative, a leading figure in the realm of immersive art experiences, "Stories – Brought to Life" draws inspiration from the portraits housed within the National Portrait Gallery. The exhibition aims to redefine traditional gallery experiences through a dynamic, cinematic format that melds emotional storytelling with cutting-edge technology.
Visitors will have the opportunity to delve into the stories of some of the UK's most renowned historical figures, including monarchs, cultural icons, and national leaders. Iconic personalities featured in the exhibition include Jane Austen, David Bowie, Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth II, Ncuti Gatwa, and Audrey Hepburn. The interactive nature of the experience is designed to bring these individuals' stories to life, allowing attendees to witness the narratives that have shaped British history and culture unfold around them.
Emma Ferrer, the granddaughter of legendary actress Audrey Hepburn, expressed her pride in her heritage while visiting the exhibition. "I am incredibly proud to be the granddaughter of Audrey Hepburn," she shared. "She was a brilliant actress, a timeless icon and a tireless crusader for the world’s underprivileged children. She was also the subject of beautiful works of art that have persisted through time, and I think she would have been humbled by this incredible artistic experience."
The exhibition will also feature notable figures such as Dorothy Hodgkin, Nelson Mandela, Emmeline Pankhurst, Grayson Perry, Mary Seacole, William Shakespeare, Amy Winehouse, Oscar Wilde, Virginia Woolf, and Malala Yousafzai.
Before the opening, Victoria Siddall, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, remarked on the significance of the collection. "The National Portrait Gallery’s Collection is unique in being about people and for people," she stated. "The stories we tell about the individuals who have shaped our history and culture have the power to inspire and to bring people together." She also expressed gratitude to those involved in the project’s development and emphasised the importance of making these stories accessible to a wider audience.
The exhibition promises to be a visually spectacular experience, utilising state-of-the-art productions, including high-end visual effects, music, and imagery. The FRAMELESS team, collaborating with production partner Cinesite—renowned for their visual effects contributions to popular film franchises—has worked diligently to create this immersive experience.
Ryan Atwood, Creative Director for FRAMELESS Creative, commented on the collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, noting the unique opportunity to leverage the knowledge and expertise of the gallery's curatorial team. "Our team has delved deep into the life stories of the individuals to bring them to life," he said. "Through the power of digital storytelling, we can’t wait to share our work with the public, helping to ensure that this incredible Collection continues to be accessible and have cultural significance with the next generation."
As the opening date approaches, residents and art enthusiasts looking to attend the exhibition can find ticketing information through the event’s official channels.
Source: Noah Wire Services