The Alchemist’s Feast (Thursday 23 June 2022) was the inaugural summer party and fundraiser for the National Gallery’s Bicentenary programme, NG200, celebrating the Gallery’s 200-year-old history of bringing people and paintings together. This unprecedented event demonstrated how a Grade I listed building, who’s main purpose is to showcase the nations Collection, can be transformed; fusing art and technology to bring famous works of art to life.
Image credit: Matt Chung Photography
On the evening of 23 June 2022, the Gallery welcomed guests such as Princess Beatrice, Sienna Miller, Damian Lewis, and Grayson Perry for an unforgettable after-hours party. Under the leadership of Creative Director Patrick Kinmonth, the event was inspired by the spiritual and esoteric aspects of alchemy.
As guests stepped onto the ornate Mosaic Terrace, they were submerged in a garden inspired installation. Created in the style of British architect Inigo Jones, the installation included projection mapped ‘pixelated’ water, echoing the tiled illustrations on the Terrace. White Light, who were responsible for the innovative technical production of the evening, commented: “The building’s architecture and iconic collection naturally provides a stunning canvas to enhance with lighting, audio and video content.” With moving images of the paintings projected onto Gallery walls, light installations and dramatic set pieces, White Light made certain an evening of immersive exploration was had by all.
Image credit: Matt Chung Photography
Guests were greeted in the picture galleries by a showstopping bar constructed by Factory Settings in the heart of the spectacular Barry Rooms. The bar replicated Canaletto’s painting London: Interior of the Rotunda at Ranelagh, (1754), displayed in Room 38, and reached into the dome above. The Gallery are enormously grateful to British brands Nyetimber and MarGin who generously supported the event.
From Turner’s seascapes to the French Impressionists, Rocket Food took influence from the Collection to create a moving feast that allowed guests to roam around the Gallery. Rocket said their food “...celebrated a theatrical culinary moment and allowed guests to interact with the chefs at work, providing a transformative feast for the senses.” The unique culinary experience was centred around 60ft bars in our two largest dining spaces, and included an abundant oyster and Wagyu Beef station. Guests were delighted by Chefs performing from roaming ‘carts’ in the Galleries. This was followed by a stunning dessert display of colourful eclairs and lemon and lime sorberello.
Performance played an integral part of the evening. In our Spanish Gallery, “The Alchemists” dance installation had a clear story which explored the concepts of transmutation and transformation, provided by Vienna State Opera Ballet alumni Fernando Melo and Aterballetto dancer Grace Lyell. Additional entertainment included performances from opera singer Patrick Dow and renowned pianist Melvin Tan, interwoven throughout the evening in a live soundscape by DJ Lorenzo Ambrogio. Using props such as a suspended swing, a Gallery frame and super imposed images from the paintings, guests were able to become part of the Collection in an interactive photo experience, masterminded by photographer Alex Bramall.
The evening gave guests the perfect opportunity to celebrate the history of the Gallery, and to look forward to the next 200 years of a national treasure located in the heart of London.
The National Gallery is one of the greatest art galleries in the world. The collection includes works by Cézanne, Monet, Turner, and Van Gogh. The Gallery’s key objectives are to enhance and care for the collection and provide the best possible access to visitors. The buildings picture galleries can be transformed for receptions, private dinners and weddings with capacities ranging from 10 – 1500 guests.
More information at https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/venue-hire