National Gallery bicentenary films include a Van Gogh treat (plus personal reflections on the collection)

The National Gallery in London is revving up for its bicentenary next year with two blockbuster films—produced and directed by Seventh Art Productions— including an account of what this august art institution means to individuals in and beyond the institution. “My National Gallery, London will tell the story of the gallery’s collection in a new light through the eyes of people working in the gallery amongst the paintings or behind the scenes—cleaners, curators, security guards, the director [Gabriele Finaldi], sales assistants and archivists, plus some of its most dedicated visitors, and some famous faces as well,” says a publicity blurb. The second film will look behind the scenes of the forthcoming exhibition Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers (14 September 2024-19 January 2025), giving devotees of the Dutch artist “the chance to discover the stories told in this ambitious exhibition”. Both films will be released in the UK in around 300 cinemas for the next Exhibition on Screen season, bringing the gallery’s treasures to the masses.