How Dobson’s Self-Portrait Was Saved for the Nation

The daily whale
Nov 23
1 min read

Behind every major museum acquisition, there’s usually a long list of supporters who helped make it happen — and Dobson’s self-portrait is no exception. The painting is now part of the national collection thanks to an impressive network of funders and foundations who stepped in to ensure it wouldn’t disappear into a private collection.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund played a major role, alongside support from Art Fund, the Deborah Loeb Brice Foundation, and contributions from several trusts, foundations, and individual donors. Without them, the painting could easily have slipped away from public view and given how rarely Dobson’s works appear on the market, that might have been a permanent loss.

Because of their support, the painting is free for the public to see until late 2026, after which it will go on a national tour, giving people across the UK a chance to encounter it first-hand. In 2028, it will settle into its new home at the National Portrait Gallery.

It’s a reminder of just how important cultural funding is not just for big institutions, but for everyone who loves art, history, and the stories that connect us to the past.

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