High art joins high fashion
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.MASTERPIECES from France and the Netherlands go on show together for the first time today as four rooms in the National Gallery open to the public, following a pounds 4m restoration.
The Gallery raised the cost of this, the first of two renovation phases for its North Galleries, from the private sector - and more than half the funds came from France. The designer Yves Saint Laurent has supported the entire cost of the largest room (left) which houses 17th- century Paris paintings, including Philippe de Champaigne's portrait of Cardinal Richelieu. The Queen and the Queen Mother have also backed the project.
Neil MacGregor, director of the National Gallery, described the support as "an outstanding example of European co-operation". The second pounds 4m phase is due to open in the autumn of next year.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments