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.

Gainsborough’s Family Album at the National Portrait Gallery, London, 22nd November 2018 until 3rd February 2019

Imagine you’re one of the greatest ever portrait painters. How would you preserve your legacy? This was the problem that confronted Thomas Gainsborough. Despite being father to two daughters whom he clearly adored, the best Gainsborough could hope for was that his daughters would marry well. such was the position of women in 18th century England. Instead he turned to his nephew, Gainsborough Dupont, who became in turn apprentice, studio assistant, collaborator, chief mourner, executor and artistic heir to the great man.