Portrait of drag legend David Raven aka Maisie Trollette to feature in National Portrait Gallery exhibition

A portrait of the late David Raven, also known as his glittering stage persona Maisie Trollette, will go on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London this October as part of a major new exhibition by acclaimed photographer Tim Walker.

The portrait will appear in Tim Walker’s Fairyland - Love and Legends, an ambitious exploration of queer identity, community and love through the unmistakable lens of one of Britain’s most celebrated visual storytellers. Walker, who rose to prominence in the 199s with his fantastical, fairytale‑infused photography, has worked with some of the world’s most recognisable cultural figures, including Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, Pet Shop Boys, Hunter Schafer, Miriam Margolyes and Frank Ocean, with his images gracing the pages of Vogue, Vanity Fair, W, LOVE, Another Man and i‑D.

For the past five years, Walker has been travelling across Britain and beyond to photograph dozens of queer activists, writers, artists and performers in his unmistakably whimsical style. David - whose contributions to British drag culture are immeasurable - was among those chosen.

David, born in St Ives in 1933, became one of the most beloved and influential drag performers in the UK. After moving to London in 1960, he began experimenting with drag, later joining forces with Jimmy Court to form The Trollettes, a double act whose anarchic humour and glamour made them staples of venues such as The Black Cap and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. Maisie soon became a cornerstone of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ scene, performing for decades and playing a defining role in Brighton Pride from its earliest years. Known for razor‑sharp wit, a rich singing voice and an unwavering refusal to lip‑sync, Maisie remained a mentor and inspiration to generations of younger performers.

David’s remarkable life and legacy were also captured in the documentary Maisie, which celebrated his status as Britain’s oldest working drag artiste. His charity work, mentorship and enduring presence within the queer community solidified his reputation as true drag royalty.

David died aged 91 in March 2025, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fellow performers, friends and LGBTQ+ venues across the country, who hailed him as a trailblazer, a national treasure and a giant of British drag.

The news of David’s upcoming inclusion in the National Portrait Gallery exhibition was shared by Peter Stanford of First & Foremost Entertainment Ltd, David’s agency. Posting on social media on the anniversary of Raven’s passing, he wrote: “Back in November of 2022, First & Foremost Entertainment Ltd were contacted by renowned photographer, Tim Walker.

"He asked Chris and I to arrange a photoshoot with David and Maisie for their inclusion in an upcoming exhibition at The National Portrait Gallery in London.”

Peter confirmed that the exhibition - Tim Walker’s Fairyland: Love and Legends - will run from 8 October 2026 - 31 January 2027.

He added: “David would have been tickled pink to have his eek on the walls of the National Portrait Gallery, so please, if you can, go and celebrate Maisie along with a host of others who have made their mark on the LGBTQ community. We miss you David.”

The exhibition is expected to be one of the most significant celebrations of queer life and creativity to appear at the National Portrait Gallery in recent years, and Raven’s inclusion ensures that the legacy of Maisie Trollette continues to shine for generations to come.