Hotels-London.co.uk - Check out the BP Portrait Award 2010 in London

Tourists could take time out from relaxing at their London hotel to visit the National Portrait Gallery and see the BP Portrait Award 2010 exhibition.

It is free to get in and this year showcases 58 different pieces, all of which are portraits of people - as the title suggests.

The prize of £25,000 helps attract the very best artists to this contest and this year there were a record 2,177 entrants, according to the venue.

"From intimate and personal images of friends and family, to revealing portraits of celebrity sitters, the exhibition presents a variety of styles and approaches that together illustrate the vitality of contemporary portrait painting," the organisers explained.

They highlighted how there are three shortlisted artists whose work is on display - David Eichenberg, Michael Gaskell and Daphne Todd, who won first prize for her Last Portrait of Mother picture.

This year sees the launch of the Next Generation initiative, which showcases pieces inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

One interesting feature which is always worth checking out is the BP Travel Award, with the work of 2009 winner Isobel Peachey being displayed at the art space.

Opening hours for the exhibition are 10:00 to 18:00 BST, except for Thursdays and Fridays, when the museum stays open until 21:00.

For more information on this event visit the National Portrait Gallery website or contact the venue on 020 7306 0055‎.

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