A portrait of William Shakespeare which was the first ever painting donated to London’s National Portrait Gallery could hold the key to knowing what the Bard actually looked like.

The Chandos Portrait was painted circa 1600-1610 possibly by John Taylor, an important member of the Painter-Stainers’ Company who was thought to be a friend of the celebrated dramatist and poet. Though there are several Shakespeare portraits in existence it is considered the painting which is most likely to portray the Bard from life. Now the trustees of the National Portrait Gallery are in discussion over whether to allow the work to be cleaned, a proposal which was considered at a seminar with outside specialists.  Continue reading →