The BP Portrait Award 2019 shut its doors at the National Portrait Gallery for the last time a few days ago and is now on its way around the country. This show is one of the art calendar’s set pieces but this year was thin fare and the show seems to be increasingly hesitant. So now might be a good time to consider whether the BP Portrait Award has run its course.

BP Portrait Award 2018 at the National Portrait Gallery, 14th June to 23rd September 2018

In the first article, I looked at An Angel at My Table by Miriam Escofet that justifiably earned first place at the BP Portrait Award. Now in this second article, I’m going to appraise more critically the paintings awarded the second and third places, as well as the BP Young Artist award. I will also mention some of the other fine portraits that caught my eye, all of which repay close attention.