Exhibit: Professor Hannah Fry – portrait by Chloe Barnes

Free exhibit showcasing the commissioned portrait of Professor Hannah Fry by Chloe Barnes, winner of the 2025 Sky Portrait Artist of the Year.

The Royal Society commissioned a portrait of Professor Hannah Fry by the winner of the 2025 Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, Chloe Barnes. The portrait was commissioned by the Royal Society as part of our celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the first women elected to its Fellowship, Kathleen Lonsdale FRS and Marjory Stephenson FRS. Find out more about the Society's Women in STEM programme. 

Professor Sheila Rowan, Vice President of the Royal Society, said: “For too long, women have been underrepresented in science. If we want to inspire more young girls to see themselves as scientists of the future, we need to do more to celebrate the great female role models working in STEM today. Hannah Fry is an exceptional role model who has a master ability to make the wonders of maths engaging and accessible to audiences of all ages. That’s why we are delighted that Chloe Barnes’ portrait of Hannah Fry will be added to the Royal Society’s portrait collection.”

Chloe Barnes was crowned the winner of series 12 of Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year after impressing the judges with her distinctive style and technical skill. 

The portrait is a monotype, printed on Arches Huile paper. Incorporating traditional oil painting techniques, the monotype has been finished with glazing and soft pastel.   

The portrait can be viewed by the public during the week of 15 – 19 December from 3pm to 5pm GMT.  

The portrait can also be viewed during the Royal Society’s public events, including our Summer Science Exhibition during the first week of July and Open House London in September.  

Viewing the portrait 

The portrait will be displayed in the reception of the Royal Society from Monday 15 December.  

• The portrait can be viewed by the public during the week of 15 – 19 December from 3pm to 5pm GMT
• Free, no ticket required
• Travel and accessibility information 
• The portrait can also be viewed during the Royal Society’s public events, including our Summer Science Exhibition during the first week of July and Open House London in September
• Outside of these times, it can be viewed weekdays by appointment, by emailing library@royalsociety.org 

For any enquiries or group visits, please email library@royalsociety.org 

Image credit: Hannah Fry, 2025 © Chloe Barnes