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The National Gallery: A History

Book talk

Author Jonathan Conlin in conversation with Alan Crookham
Date
Friday, 13 June 2025
Time
2 - 3 pm
Audience
Members

About

Join Jonathan Conlin and our Chief Librarian and Archivist, Alan Crookham, in conversation about how one of the world’s finest collections of paintings was formed by (and for) the people of Britain. 

Published in the National Gallery’s Bicentenary year, Conlin's book 'The National Gallery: A History', maps 200 years of a cultural institution situated in the centre of London, that holds education, social cohesion, and national heritage at its core and whose outstanding collection has shaped the art historical canon over two centuries. 

Both Conlin and Crookham will muse over the people, the paintings, and the audiences that have made the National Gallery such a centrepiece of the UK and international cultural landscape. 

A copy of the book will be available to purchase at the event.

Image: Detail from Single Use June 2025 Jonathan Conlin

Your hosts

Born in New York and later moved to Britain, Jonathan Conlin studied History at Oxford, the Courtauld Institute of Art and Cambridge University. Recent publications have included 'Mr Five Per Cent: The many lives of Calouste Gulbenkian' and 'The MET A History of a Museum and its People' (October 2024, Columbia University Press),

Alan Crookham is our Research Centre Manager and responsible for the strategic development of our Library and Archive. He also works to support collaborative research projects between our staff and the broader academic community. He has particular expertise in museum archives and the Gallery’s history.

Talks & conversations

The National Gallery: A History

Book talk

Author Jonathan Conlin in conversation with Alan Crookham
Date
Friday, 13 June 2025
Time
2 - 3 pm
Audience
Members

Tickets

Members & Patrons: £15

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

Please meet at the Salon located in Supporters' House.

Not a Member?

Discover a year of inspiring art and enjoy free entry to all our paid exhibitions.