Don’t lose sight of the big picture in art galleries

June 10, 2026 • Culture

Letters: Dr Penelope Jackson, Sue Lewis and Fiona Willan respond to an article and letters on art overload

I read with interest your article (The hill I will die on: Let me tell you the one big problem with art galleries. There’s too much art, 30 May) and the follow-up letters (5 June) full of advice from readers. Everyone will have an opinion on how to visit an art gallery. Clearly, trying not to view everything on show is key here. But what people have failed to grasp is that if galleries don’t show a vast amount of their collection, they are criticised. For example, the National Gallery in London hangs about 40% of its collection, which is more than others such as Tate Britain, which has a tiny fraction on show at any given time. And the National Portrait Gallery would struggle to hang its entire collection. Galleries and museums are caught between a rock and hard place. They try to show as much as is logistically possible, but that doesn’t mean visitors have to eyeball each one. We should, however, be grateful that these cultural institutions collect and try to showcase as much as possible, for we don’t all like the same things. Dr Penelope Jackson Tauranga, New Zealand • The secret to enjoying an art gallery is to go with children. I took my daughters to the Tate (now Tate Britain) for the first time when they were about five and six. I let them roam and find the “best” painting in each room, which we all discussed. The list was whittled down to their five most favourite, and postcards duly bought to take home. I was astonished to realise that my daughters had such different taste: Picasso and Mondrian versus Stubbs and Holbein. Such a revelation – and such a joyful way to engage with art and art criticism. Sue Lewis Norwich, Norfolk • Some interesting tips on how to enjoy paintings in a large gallery without flagging in the process – most notably, the several references to a visit to the cafe afterwards. Here’s one more tip to help you through the gallery: if you feel daunted by numerous pictures or detailed catalogues, read a newspaper review of the exhibition beforehand. Then you’ll have a few pointers as to which paintings to look out for – that will leave you even more time for that much desired snack afterwards. Fiona Willan Worthing, West Sussex • Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.

Source: The Guardian