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One Painting, One Story

A new National Gallery book series that looks closely at some of our most beloved paintings
Date
Various dates
  • Monday, 9 June 2025
  • Monday, 23 June 2025
  • Monday, 7 July 2025
  • Monday, 21 July 2025
Time
3 - 4 pm
Audience
Members

About

'One Painting, One Story' is a new National Gallery book series that looks closely at some of our most beloved paintings. In this four-part series, artist and author, Aliki Braine, speaks to each author to uncover their findings and undeniable passion for one painting.

A copy of each book will be available to purchase at each event. Books are also available in our online shop.

Iterations of this series have also been programmed for those who would like to enjoy the events online. Please note that these online events are not the same as the in-person events. For more information, please see below.

Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers'

Aliki speaks to Martin Gayford
Date
Monday, 9 June 2025
Time
3 - 4 pm

Aliki talks to critically acclaimed author Martin Gayford about Vincent van Gogh's 'Sunflowers'.

Painted in Arles shortly before Paul Gauguin visited the famous Yellow House, Martin explores Vincent Van Gogh's Sunflowers, its creation and the lasting legacy of this artwork. 

Author: Martin Gayford has been art critic for 'the Spectator' and 'the Sunday Times', and Chief European Art Critic for 'Bloomberg'. Among his publications are: 'A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney'; 'Man with a Blue Scarf: On Sitting for a Portrait by Lucian Freud'; 'Constable in Love: Love, Landscape, Money and the Making of a Great Painter'; 'The Yellow House: Van Gogh, Gauguin and Nine Turbulent Weeks in Arles'; 'The Penguin Book of Art Writing', of which he was the co-editor; and contributions to many catalogues. He lives in Cambridge with his wife and two children.

Image: Detail from Vincent van Gogh, 'Sunflowers', 1888

Monet's 'Water-Lily Pond'

Aliki speaks to Ross King
Date
Monday, 23 June 2025
Time
3 - 4 pm

The water-lilies of Claude Monet's garden in Giverny inspired some 250 paintings. 

Aliki speaks to author Ross King about Claude Monet's The Water-Lily Pond and the profound impact of Japanese art on Monet’s working practice, the historical events of the time, the artist’s fascination with painting bridges and the personal tragedy that led to his desire to capture and immortalise on canvas a succession of ever-changing moments in his garden. 

Author: Ross King is the author of numerous books on French and Italian art, including 'The Judgment of Paris and Mad Enchantment': 'Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies'. He frequently lectures on Impressionism and gives tours and lectures in Paris and Normandy.   

Image: Detail from Claude Monet, 'The Water-Lily Pond', 1899

Leonardo's 'The Virgin of the Rocks'

Aliki speaks to Leah Kharibian
Date
Monday, 7 July 2025
Time
3 - 4 pm

Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks is one of the most famous paintings in the National Gallery.

Aliki speaks with art historian Leah Kharibian who tells the fascinating story behind this mysterious work. Together they explore the work’s changing designs and Leonardo's innovative techniques.

Author: Leah Kharibian is an independent art historian, writer, filmmaker and broadcaster on art. She has worked with the National Gallery since 1991, producing books for general readers on Leonardo and Velázquez, as well writing exhibition texts for many of the Gallery’s most celebrated shows, including the 2011 'Leonardo da Vinci: Painter at the Court of Milan' and the recent 'Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers'.

Image: Leonardo da Vinci, 'The Virgin of the Rocks' (detail), about 1491/2-9 and 1506-8 © The National Gallery, London

Holbein's 'The Ambassadors'

Aliki speaks to Tracy Borman
Date
Monday, 21 July 2025
Time
3 - 4 pm

The Ambassadors by Hans Holbein the Younger is one of the most famous paintings in the National Gallery. It is also one of the most intriguing. Brimming with hidden symbols and mysteries, the work has been the subject of intense debate among historians during the five centuries since it was created.

Together, Aliki and author Tracy Borman unpick the secrets of this enigmatic artwork, painted during a turbulent time in English history.

Author: Tracy Borman OBE is Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. She is a regular broadcaster and the author of a number of highly acclaimed books, including 'The Private Lives of the Tudors: Uncovering the Secrets of Britain’s Greatest Dynasty', 'Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII’s Most Faithful Servant' and 'Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History'.

Image: Detail from Hans Holbein the Younger, 'The Ambassadors', 1533

Online events: One Painting, One Story

Iterations of this series have also been programmed for those wanting to enjoy online. Please note that these online events are not the same as the in-person events. For more information, please see below.

Online programme:

Talks & conversations

One Painting, One Story

A new National Gallery book series that looks closely at some of our most beloved paintings
Date
Various dates
  • Monday, 9 June 2025
  • Monday, 23 June 2025
  • Monday, 7 July 2025
  • Monday, 21 July 2025
Time
3 - 4 pm
Audience
Members

Tickets

Members & Patrons: £20

This is a House event. Please have your membership card and ticket ready.

Please meet at the Salon located in Supporters' House.

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One Painting, One Story
Tickets

Members & Patrons: £20

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