Oasis reunion follows Noel Gallagher's portrait in London gallery
Noel Gallagher of Oasis is pictured inside the stadium before the match between Manchester City and RB Leipzig, in Manchester, Britain, March 14, 2023. (Reuters Photo)


Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher has said he is "thrilled and honored" as a "grumpy middle-aged man who hates having his picture taken" to have his image added to the British National Portrait Gallery.

The picture of Gallagher, taken by photographer Zoe Law, will go on display for the first time on Nov. 29 as part of the London gallery's Legends exhibition, featuring 100 portraits of people who have influenced her life and career.

The image of Gallagher will remain part of the gallery's permanent collection once the exhibition ends on March 2, 2025.

Other stars included in the black and white photos display are England World Cup winner Bobby Charlton, actor Orlando Bloom, and a never-before-seen picture of Canadian actress Kim Cattrall.

Gallagher spoke about having a picture of himself in the gallery: "I am thrilled and honored to have my portrait added to the National Portrait Gallery's permanent collection.

"The thought of the portrait of a grumpy middle-aged man, who frankly hates having his picture taken, being permanently displayed for future generations to marvel at is very special. Thanks and praise."

Law said having her photo of Gallagher become part of the gallery's permanent collection is "the greatest honor."

She said: "It is the greatest honor that my portrait of the legend Noel Gallagher has been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery – a lasting legacy that all portrait photographers and artists dream of."

It comes after Gallagher and his brother Liam announced that their band, Oasis, will be reuniting for a run of U.K. and Ireland gigs next year for the first time since breaking up in 2009.

Sabina Jaskot-Gill, senior curator of photographs at the gallery, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have recently acquired Zoe Law's portrait of Noel Gallagher for the National Portrait Gallery's photographs collection.

"I am really looking forward to seeing more of her Legends exhibited across our studio gallery and spotlight space in what promises to be an exciting and innovative display.

"I hope that these striking monochromatic portraits – which celebrate the diversity of British cultural life – help inspire the next generation of photographers and visitors to the National Portrait Gallery."