What do you think is
‘The Greatest Painting in Britain’?
The Barber Institute’s Portrait of Countess Golovine by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun, perhaps?
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, in conjunction with hundreds of galleries around the UK, is taking part in ‘The Greatest Painting in Britain’ -- the largest-ever art poll, organised by The National Gallery and BBC Radio 4’s TODAY Programme. The object of the exercise, as the title suggests, is to try and identify the painting that the British public believes is the most exceptional painting, in any collection in Britain that is open to the public.
The Barber has been inviting people to take part by providing nomination forms in the gallery which can be handed in at reception and sent off. The first round of the competitions -- nominations from the public -- ends MONDAY 8 AUGUST.
A groundswell of support has been building up at the Barber for the charming Portrait of Countess Golovine by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun. ‘The Countess’ is the painting that has, so far, been nominated the most. Also, her twinkling smile helps her postcard far outsell any other at our shop; when she’s portrayed in Art Alive! the galleries are always packed; and she’s one of the ‘characters’ that visitors cite most often as one of the main gems of the collection.
We’d like to help this beautiful and brilliant portrait reach the competition’s final shortlist -- and even win the accolade of ‘The Greatest Painting in Britain’.
And YOU can help.
Nominate The Portrait of Countess Golovine by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun in any (or all!) of three ways:
- Log onto the website at the BBC, where you will be asked to fill in the title and artist, and also the painting's location (The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham, obviously). You will also get the chance to say why you think this is your favourite painting -- feel free to include amusing anecdotes or quirky facts connected with the painting.
- SMS texting on your mobile phone -- simply type: "TODAY Portrait of Countess Golovine, by Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun, The Barber Institute of Fine Arts" to: 84844
- Conventional Post (‘Snail Mail’) -- again, note down the painting’s
title, artist and location, together with any reason you might have
about why you think it is ‘The Greatest Painting in Britain’, and send
it to:
The Greatest Painting in Britain
The Today Programme
Room G630, Stage 6, Television Centre
Wood Lane
LONDON
W12 7RJ
VOTE FOR THE COUNTESS NOW!
First round of voting: 25 July - 8 August
Vote for your favourite from the final shortlist: 15 August - 4 September
Winner announced live on the Today programme: 5 September