SKY ARTS GO INSIDE THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

Sky Arts today announces four new commissions to excite art-lovers, including a chance to see behind the scenes of the once in a generation refurbishment of the National Portrait Gallery, set to open its doors this week. Legendary artists also under the Sky Arts spotlight in the coming months include David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Michelangelo and JMW Turner.

A new three-part series, Stories from the National Portrait Gallery sees Art Historian Kate Bryan gain unprecedented access to the National Portrait Gallery as it reopens its doors after three years. Kate explores the most extensive collection of portraits in the world, joined by NPG Director Nicholas Cullinan and a host of the gallery’s curators, to tell the story of portraiture from the 16th century to today.

Each episode focuses on art from different centuries, telling the stories behind portraits of famous figures such as William Shakespeare, the Bronte sisters and Queen Elizabeth II.

New feature documentary, Michelangelo: Saint or Sinner? (w/t), traces the history of Michelangelo’s most controversial commission; the Mausoleum of Pope Julius II. After a series of changes and political upheavals within the Vatican, jeopardising Michelangelo’s legacy and reputation, the work took 40 years to complete. Featuring Kate Bryan and Katy Hessel, this documentary explores the man behind some of the most influential art in the world.

One-off special, The Late Andy Warhol (w/t) explores the late work and growing legacy of Andy Warhol, one of the most influential and talked about artists of the 20th Century. Through interviews with some of today’s most renowned contemporary artists, art luminaries and insight from those closest to him, The Late Andy Warhol (w/t) presents a fresh portrait of a funny, dedicated, and radical artist who is now woven through modern culture and continues to inspire new artists every day.

The Art Mysteries will return with a new series, as Art Critic Waldemar Januszczak goes in search of the secret meanings hidden inside some of the world’s best-knownmasterpieces. Focusing on artworks by Rembrandt, Duchamp, Dürer, and Bosch, Waldemar weighs up the evidence, sifts through the theories, and reveals what actually lies hidden inside these great works.

Previously announced special films Celebrating David Hockney (w/t) will take a unique and unrivalled look at the life and work of David Hockney through insightful interviews, archived footage and a definitive interview with Melvyn Bragg. Decoding Turner also comes to screens later this year as we ask art enthusiasts to question everything they thought they knew about Turner as we reveal the hidden codes woven into his paintings.

All Sky Arts titles are commissioned by Phil Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts and Entertainment for Zai Bennett, Managing Director of Content for Sky UK and Ireland.