A newly acquired portrait of Baroness Joan Bakewell, the broadcaster, journalist and writer, has been unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery, London. The ceramic bust is part of an ongoing series of portraits of influential women by Glenys Barton and it is the final of a trio of works that she has made of Joan Bakewell since 2012.

“I always seem to come back to the theme of powerful women in my work and Joan is no exception. That’s why it was so important for me to capture Joan’s strength and charisma in the final form. While hands are very significant, as they’re very often the way we convey our emotions, my biggest challenge was Joan’s smile as she has a very expressive face. But I am very pleased with the finished result.” Barton

All of the sittings for the sculpture took place at Baroness Bakewell’s home. This is the third portrait by the artist to join the National Portrait Gallery's collection following the acquisitions of Barton’s sculptures of actress Glenda Jackson and the fashion designer, Jean Muir.

Barton works mainly in ceramic and bronze and since the 1980s her work has been primarily figurative, with a particular focus on the head.