Close Encounters

Close Encounters is a new BBC Radio 4 series that marks our reopening. Over 10 episodes, influential Britons come face to face with portraits that mean something to them, making connections and learning more about the works that make us a living portrait of Britain.

Hear some of contemporary Britain’s most important voices as they reflect on our national history and Collection – all recorded during the final stages of our redevelopment with BBC Radio 4’s Martha Kearney and the Gallery’s curators as guides.

Click on the portraits below to listen to episode clips and see new photographs taken by Sadie Catt, which show our Close Encounters guests alongside their portraits of choice while recording in the galleries. Clips will become available each day as the episodes are broadcast.

Episodes of Close Encounters are broadcast daily between 5 and 16 June on BBC Radio 4. Search ‘Close Encounters’ in the BBC Sounds App to listen to the full episodes.

Sir Paul Smith and Cecil Beaton

Hear why fashion designer Sir Paul Smith chose this portrait of Cecil Beaton and Stephen Tennant, and see Sadie Catt’s new portrait of Sir Paul, standing alongside his portrait of choice while recording in the galleries.

Arlo Parks and Poly Styrene

Hear why singer and songwriter, Arlo Parks, chose this portrait of Polystyrene, and see Sadie Catt’s new portrait of Arlo, standing alongside her portrait of choice while recording in the galleries.

Sir Chris Whitty and Dr Edward Jenner

Hear why England’s Chief Medical Officer, Sir Chris Whitty, chose this portrait of Edward Jenner, and see Sadie Catt’s new portrait of Sir Chris, standing alongside his portrait of choice while recording in the galleries.

Dame Katherine Grainger and Mercedes Gleitze

Hear why five time Olympian, Dame Katherine Grainger, chose this portrait of Mercedes Gleitze, and see Sadie Catt’s new portrait of Dame Katherine, standing alongside her portrait of choice while recording in the galleries.

Sir Tim Berners-Lee and Christabel Pankhurst

Hear why computer scientist and inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, chose this portrait of Dame Christabel Pankhurst, and see Sadie Catt’s new portrait of Sir Tim, standing alongside his portrait of choice while recording in the galleries.

Edward Enninful and Naomi Campbell

Hear why Editor-in-Chief of British Vogue, Edward Enninful, chose this portrait of Naomi Campbell, and see Sadie Catt’s new portrait of Edward, standing alongside his portrait of choice while recording in the galleries.

Clara Amfo and Amy Winehouse

Hear why DJ and presenter, Clara Amfo, chose this portrait of Amy Winehouse, and see Sadie Catt’s new portrait of Clara, standing alongside her portrait of choice while recording in the galleries.

JJ Chalmers and Sir Archibald Hector McIndoe

Hear why Invictus Games medallist and presenter, JJ Chalmers, chose this portrait of Sir Archibald Hector McIndoe, and see Sadie Catt’s new portrait of JJ, standing alongside his portrait of choice while recording in the galleries.

Alexa Chung and George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham

Hear why presenter, model and fashion designer, Alexa Chung, chose this portrait of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, and see Sadie Catt’s new portrait of Alexa, standing alongside her portrait of choice while recording in the galleries.

Simon Singh and Alan Turing

Hear why mathematician and author, Simon Singh, chose this portrait of Alan Turing, and see Sadie Catt’s new portrait of Simon, standing alongside his portrait of choice while recording in the galleries.