National Portrait Gallery Faces Scrutiny Over Zoë Law Photography Display

Critics question ethics as exhibition features work by donor's ex-wife, raising concerns about nepotism in publicly funded art institutions.

Zoë Law's photography display at the National Portrait Gallery has drawn criticism due to her ties to the Law Family Charitable Foundation, a major donor to the gallery's £41.3 million refurbishment.
Law, a former trustee of the foundation and ex-wife of hedge fund manager Andrew Law, donated her portrait of Noel Gallagher to the gallery's permanent collection.
Cultural figures and critics have labeled her work as 'pedestrian' and raised concerns over the influence of wealthy donors on public art programming and institutional priorities.
The National Portrait Gallery stated its ethics committee approved the donation but did not confirm if the decision to host Law's display was reviewed by the same committee.
The controversy highlights broader debates about the role of private funding in public cultural institutions and the ethical challenges it poses.