Charli XCX enters the National Portrait Gallery with a portrait from the Brat era
The British singer's iconic image from her album Brat has been added to the London museum's collection, as she vies for another UK number one with her latest release.
A portrait that captures an era
The pop star Charli XCX now joins the contemporary figures celebrated by the National Portrait Gallery in London. This image, which has become emblematic of the promotion for her album Brat, embodies the effortlessly cool yet introspective energy that marked her rise to mainstream recognition.
Displayed in the History Makers Now space, dedicated to personalities shaping current culture, the portrait has been praised by Brandei Estes, the museum's senior curator of photographs. She highlighted Weir's ability to blend intimacy with a striking presence in her work. "This portrait captures one of the most defining cultural figures of her generation," she stated. The acquisition was made possible through a donation from the Bukhman Foundation, an organization that supports both the arts and medical research, particularly on type 1 diabetes.
The album, built around guitar samples and electrifying melodies, explores her relationship with creativity and fame, following the success of Brat. Critics have noted its raw approach, oscillating between vulnerability and provocation.
The album was competing for the top spot on the UK charts this week, facing rival releases from Snow Patrol and Shania Twain.
A recognition that extends beyond music
Charli XCX's portrait now sits alongside other contemporary figures in History Makers Now, such as the Princess of Wales, actress Naomi Ackie, and footballer Marcus Rashford. The Bukhman Foundation, which funded this acquisition, plays an active role in promoting art and medical research.
Harley Weir, known for her collaborations with luxury brands like Balenciaga and Marc Jacobs, had previously photographed Charli XCX for a Marc Jacobs collection in 2022. Her work, which often explores the boundaries between fashion and art, is regularly exhibited in London galleries.
Between film and music, a flurry of projects
After appearing in the mockumentary The Moment, Charli XCX is expanding her film projects. Another movie, produced in collaboration with Japanese filmmaker Takashi Miike, is also in development, though no release date has been announced yet.
Key Points
- A portrait of Charli XCX by Harley Weir (2023) has been added to the National Portrait Gallery's collection in London
- The work is displayed in the History Makers Now space, dedicated to influential contemporary figures
- Her album Music, Fashion, Film is competing for the top spot on the UK charts
- Charli XCX is working on several film projects, including I Want Your Sex by Gregg Araki
- The portrait's acquisition was funded by the Bukhman Foundation
Sources
- BBC Entertainment & Arts - "Charli XCX photo purchased by National Portrait Gallery". (secondary)
- Artnet News - "Charli XCX Joins National Portrait Gallery’s Storied Ranks". (secondary)
- The Line of Best Fit - "Charli XCX Brat-era portrait hung in National Portrait Gallery". (secondary)
Transparency: 3 sources (0 primary, 3 secondary). Verification: 27 July 2026.
Truthyx - 27 July 2026