A significant painting in British history is on show at a Bradford gallery – the first stop of a tour that will end with the portrait visiting Los Angeles.
Portrait of Mai, painted by the leading 18th century artist Sir Joshua Reynolds is currently wowing visitors to Cartwright Hall in Manningham.
It is the painting’s first journey since it was saved for the nation in 2023, and will be on display in Bradford until 17 August.
Mai (also called Omai) (c. 1753-1779) was a native of Raiatea, an island now part of French Polynesia. He travelled to England as part of Captain James Cook’s second voyage.
He spent the years 1774–76 in London and on a grand tour of Britain, including Yorkshire, where he was received by royalty and the intellectual elite, and became something of a celebrity. It was during his time in London that this portrait was painted. Mai returned to his homeland in 1777 where he died two years later.
The portrait has been described as the National Portrait Gallery’s “most significant acquisition ever made.”
During its time in Bradford, Portrait of Mai will be accompanied by a new engagement programme created in conjunction with Youth Panel members from Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and young people from the ground-breaking theatre company Common/Wealth.
A summit led and arranged by young people from across the district will take place as part of the project.
‘All About Mai’ taking place on Saturday 9 August is a series of activities and talks led by young people from the District.
Bradford’s Museums and Galleries Service will also be organising a Museum Late event on August 14, more details will be released closer to the time.
Miranda Stacey, Head of National Partnerships at the National Portrait Gallery said: “We are delighted to be launching Journeys with Mai in Bradford during its important UK City of Culture year. Thank you to our partners and supporters who help us achieve our aim of making the world’s largest collection of portraits accessible to many more people across the UK.”
The painting’s tour has been made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Art Fund and other supporters.
The portrait will continue its tour in Cambridge and Plymouth before it travels to the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles in 2026.
