The Bentley Foundation announces the National Portrait Gallery as its second philanthropic partner

• The Bentley Foundation has named the National Portrait Gallery as its second philanthropic partner, following The Queen’s Reading Room, supporting access to culture, creativity and education across the UK 
• The partnership supports Photo Portrait Now, a National Portrait Gallery programme delivered with six universities across England and Wales, expanding access to contemporary portrait photography for under represented groups 
• The initiative culminates in an annual public exhibition and symposium at the National Portrait Gallery, showcasing student work and offering professional talks, workshops and curatorial access
• Rooted in Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy, the Bentley Foundation reflects a long-term commitment to creating positive impact for people, culture and the planet 

(Crewe, 30 April 2026) Bentley Motors and the Bentley Foundation has announced the National Portrait Gallery as its second philanthropic partner, following the launch of its partnership with The Queen’s Reading Room, reinforcing the Foundation’s long term commitment to expanding access to culture, creativity and opportunity for future generations.  

Through this new partnership, the Bentley Foundation is supporting Photo Portrait Now, a flagship higher education programme led by the National Portrait Gallery in collaboration with six universities across England and Wales. The project explores contemporary portrait photography, while expanding access to the photographic arts for under represented groups.    

Now entering its third year, Photo Portrait Now provides students with hands on professional development, including expert mentoring, peer networks, workshops and study days led by National Portrait Gallery curators and professional photographers – including contributors to the 2025 Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize. The programme offers students rare access to the Gallery’s collection, curatorial expertise and contemporary practice, supporting their progress into creative careers.    

As part of the initiative, students are invited to respond creatively to the themes and works of the 2025 Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize, producing original portrait photography that reflects both personal perspective and contemporary social narratives.    

Each year, the programme culminates in a public exhibition of student works at the National Portrait Gallery, alongside a symposium celebration event with the grand opening of the Photo Portrait Now display at the Gallery. The symposium brings together students, industry professionals and curators for a full day of engagement, including professional photographer and photography insight talks, with portfolio reviews and career feedback, career development workshops, and curatorial tours led by National Portrait Gallery specialists.

Speaking on the new partnership, Wayne Bruce, Director of Visitor Experience & Heritage and Head of The Bentley Foundation, said:    

“At the Bentley Foundation, we believe access to culture and creativity should never be defined by background or circumstance. Partnering with the National Portrait Gallery through Photo Portrait Now allows us to support emerging photographic talent, champion diverse voices and help open meaningful pathways into the creative industries. This collaboration reflects our ambition to create lasting social impact through education, opportunity and artistic expression.”

The partnership with the National Portrait Gallery builds on the Bentley Foundation’s new, focused philanthropic direction, supporting environmental work and widening access to education, arts and culture, while driving long term, positive change in communities across the UK.    

Liz Smith, Director of Learning at the National Portrait Gallery, added:    

“The Gallery is grateful for the generous support of The Bentley Foundation, whose support has allowed us to continue to work with the next generation of photographic talent and help students towards success in both their individual practices and their future creative careers.”    

Anchored in Bentley’s Beyond100+ strategy, The Bentley Foundation is designed to deliver thoughtful, long term philanthropic impact. Through a partnership led approach focused on collaboration, co creation and measurable outcomes, the Foundation supports organisations that foster regeneration, resilience and opportunity, advancing positive change for people and the planet, beyond Bentley’s own operations.    

- ENDS –

Notes to editors      

The Bentley Foundation    
The Bentley Foundation is Bentley Motors’ charitable foundation, supporting environmental work and widening access to education, arts and culture to create positive, lasting impact for communities and future generations.    

The National Portrait Gallery    
Founded in 1856, the National Portrait Gallery tells the story of Britain through portraits, using art to bring history to life and explore living today. It promotes engagement with portraiture in all media by conserving, growing and sharing the world’s largest collection of portraits.

About Photo Portrait Now    
Photo Portrait Now is a National Portrait Gallery partnership project delivered with six universities across England and Wales. The programme explores contemporary portrait photography while expanding access to the photographic arts for under-represented groups. It provides students with expert mentoring, workshops, industry insight and the opportunity to exhibit their work at the National Portrait Gallery following engagement with the Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize

Imagery by Megan Coward - Milly Haines, Daily Dipping
This portrait is part of an exploration of cold-water swimming. Inspired by the resilience and empowerment derived from this practice, photographer Megan Coward portrays the bravery of those who swim in the coldest months. Megan was drawn to Milly after seeing her swim throughout winter and witnessing the strength and serenity she finds in the water. This image captures the profound connection between cold water swimming and mental wellbeing. 

Imagery by Jaiyana Chelikha – Jounaid, Go back to Where? 
Go Back to Where? explores identity and belonging among second-generation immigrants. Jounaid, half- Moroccan and half-French, was born and raised in the UK, yet his identity is often questioned. Shot against British moorland, he wears a gandoura, a traditional Moroccan garment. This visual contrast represents the duality of his experience. His layered styling blends tradition with contemporary streetwear, reflecting the fluidity of identity. This portrait invites the viewer to reconsider what it means to belong.