In his BBC series ‘The Face of Britain’ historian and writer Simon Schama explored British portraiture and what it revealed about the ‘individual and collective psyche’ of the time. With the NPG’s wide-ranging Autumn exhibition of Picasso’s portraits, he turns his attention to the painter’s evocations of lovers, family and friends. With writer and novelist Lisa Appignanesi, Chair of the RSL, Schama reflects on some of the differences between representing character in words and on canvas.

We are grateful to the National Portrait Gallery, our partner for this event.

Picasso's Faces

Founded in 1820, the RSL acts as a voice for the value of literature, honouring and supporting emerging and established writers whilst creating a bridge between authors and audiences of all backgrounds and experiences to engage as many people as possible with the wealth of literature in the UK.

Picasso's Faces

Royal Society Literature