BBC Children In Need Launches King Charles III Coronation Portrait at Outernet
We've unveiled a giant digital portrait of the King on our screens ahead of the coronation. BBC Children in Need and artist Sam Barnett have launched The Royally Big Portrait which contains hundreds of thousands of individual images drawn by members of the public. The portrait is available to view at Outernet London from Monday 1st - Monday 8th May.
We'll also be live streaming the King's Coronation and the Coronation Concert in Now Trending next to Tottenham Court Road station.
Royally Big Portrait Viewing Times:
Monday-Friday: 12 - 6pm daily
Thursday viewing extended to 9:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8am - 7:30pm
King's Coronation Live Stream Times:
Saturday: 8am - 3pm (Coronation)
Sunday: 8pm - 10pm (Coronation Concert)
Free to experience, visitors to the Outernet London district will be able to locate their individual drawing within the portrait using iPads, creating a fun and interactive experience for all the family, and see their personal contribution to this iconic moment in history on Outernet London’s world class screens. Visitors will also have the opportunity to contribute to the final portrait by taking part live between Monday 1st and Monday 8th May.
Furthermore, people can celebrate the King’s Coronation and purchase a special print of the final portrait to remember this moment in history via the BBC Children in Need website. Funds raised from the sale of each portrait will go on support the lives of vulnerable children and young people across the nation affected by food insecurity.
Creations submitted will not only be making history, but will also potentially lead to a Guinness World Records title for the most online contributions to a digital artwork. Over 5,000 contributions from the general public are needed to break the world record, so the charity is encouraging as many people as possible across the UK to get involved with this unique and potentially record-breaking activity!
In addition to the exhibition at Outernet London, BBC Children in Need is partnering with The National Portrait Gallery in the lead up to its reopening on 22nd June. The Gallery will share portraits of monarchs throughout history from its Collection to help inspire all those taking part in the ‘Royally Big Portrait’ campaign. Having closed its doors in 2020, the Gallery has since undergone a major redevelopment project, including a complete redisplay of the Collection and a new Learning Centre which will host creative programmes that have been co-curated with artists for schools, young people and adults and events ranging from photography workshops to painting tutorials.
The final portrait will be auctioned by Christie’s at The Outernet during a special auction event on 4th May, with proceeds going to BBC Children in Need.
BBC Children in Need, Chief Executive, Simon Antrobus, said:
“We’re thrilled to be working alongside a host of partners to celebrate His Majesty’s coronation, and to raise funds for families, children and young people experiencing food insecurity. This really is an historic moment in our nation’s history and culture and BBC Children in Need are delighted to be celebrating it. I can’t wait for the public to join us on Monday 1st May to see the unveiling of the final Royally Big Portrait at Outernet.”
Outernet Global, CEO Philip O’ Ferrall, said:
We are very proud to be exclusively unveiling The Royally Big Portrait at Outernet London to mark this historic occasion as the the official BBC Children In Need Home of The Coronation. It’s a brilliant endeavour and we look forward to welcoming everyone to see the picture for free across our immense screens - I know it is going to look stunning. A big congratulations to all the children that took part and to BBC Children In Need for their continued amazing work helping and supporting young people.”
