Art and Design students from Uxbridge College had a rare opportunity to see portraits by Picasso being hung at the National Portrait Gallery, thanks to Goldman Sachs.

The Picasso Portraits Installation Tour, a preview tour of the exhibition held prior to its opening to the public and during the installation of the work, provided an insight into the hanging and planning of the exhibition. It was led by the curator of Picasso Portraits, Professor Elizabeth Cowling.

Art and Design lecturer David Storer said: “This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance for our students - not only to see some incredible works of art, but to get an insight into curating processes and to what goes on behind the scenes at an internationally-renowned gallery. I’d like to say a massive thank you to Goldman Sachs and the National Portrait Gallery for making this possible for us here at Uxbridge College.”

The eight students on the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design went along to the event at the prestigious London gallery following an invitation from exhibition sponsor Goldman Sachs.

• Picasso Portraits runs at the National Portrait Gallery from October 6.