Curtis Holder joins the National Portrait Gallery and BBC Blue Peter to mark the opening of the NPG’s new state-of-the-art Learning Centre

I was honoured to be invited by the National Portrait Gallery and Blue Peter to join the panel for a Children’s Press Conference to open ‘The Mildred and Simon Palley Learning Centre’, coinciding with the NPG's official re-launch.

Children from schools across London were given the opportunity to step into the shoes of journalists and to quiz a panel of spokespeople, including Director Dr. Nicholas Cullinan, Architect Jamie Fobert, Director of Learning and Engagement Liz Smith and myself. I was really thrilled to be involved as during my time as a teacher, I found it incredibly important to give children the freedom to ask questions.

The Children's Press Conference reintroduced young people to the new National Portrait Gallery's space and gave them exclusive access before the official re-opening. 

I was also excited to work with Blue Peter to deliver a portraiture masterclass to Blue Peter fan and Silver badge owner, James, whose portrait of Blue Peter Presenter, Joel Mawhinney, was unveiled on the day.

The new Learning Centre will serve as a pivotal space for learning, hosting a range of creative programmes co-curated with artists for schools, young people, and adults.

 Liz Smith, Director of Learning and Engagement at the National Portrait Gallery, expressed her enthusiasm for the new Learning Centre, stating, "We look forward to welcoming families and children in our brand-new space. Following the redevelopment, the Learning Centre is going to be one of the biggest gallery areas for schools and families to enjoy in the country!"

The panel at the National Portrait Gallery’s first Children’s Media Conference