'Tim Walker's Fairyland: Love and Legends' exhibition at The National Portrait Gallery

BGUK_3709105 - Exhibition runs from 9 October - 7 February 2027 Tim Walker’s Fairyland is an exploration of queer identity, community, and love through the lens of one of Britain’s foremost photographers. Walker rose to prominence in the 1990s with his unique style of whimsical photography inspired by fairytales and adventures. He has photographed famous faces including Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Hunter Schafer, Miriam Margolyes and Frank Ocean, with his work featured in international magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair, W, LOVE, Another Man and i-D. In preparation for this exhibition, he has spent the past five years photographing dozens of activists, performers, artists, and writers in his inimitable style. These new pictures are the result of Walker’s quest to connect with queer trailblazers in Britain and beyond. This exhibition will take visitors on a journey into Walker’s inner world – a vivid tapestry woven from his many inspirations and influences. Exuberant portraits and fantastical landscapes combine to create an unforgettable celebration. Walker’s creativity runs free, and his Fairyland is a place where everyone has the freedom to be themselves. Photographs taken: - Sir Ian McKellen, Love ( 2023 ) - Liz Carr as Elizabeth I ( 2024 ) - Francis Lee, Ode to Edward Carpenter ( 2023 ) - Paul O'Grady and Julian Clary as the Glitter Queens , with Harry Browse, Rae and Liam Elias as the Glitter Boys ( 2022 ) - Shon Faye ( 2025 ) - Joelle Taylor ( 2023 ) - Graham McKerrow Holds First News Report on HIV in the UK ( 2025) - Jonathan Weber, Tony Whitehead and Jane Bruton ( 2024 ) - Jeffrey Hinton as Bagpuss ( 2025 ) - Jane Campbell, Cherry Au and Lucy Edwards ( 2024 ) Jane Campbell and Siobhan Fahey ( 2024 ) Aphra and Jo Barwick, Siobhan Fahey and Emily Witham ( 2024 )