The world saw a different face of Sir Elton John as the National Portrait Gallery unveiled its latest addition: a touching family portrait starring the legendary musician, his partner David Furnish, and their sons Zachary and Elijah. Posing together in their Old Windsor library, flanked by their beloved labradors Joseph and Jacob, the family offered a glimpse of warmth and unity rarely seen outside the glitz of the stage. Photographed by renowned artist Catherine Opie, this portrait marks the official opening of the “Catherine Opie: To Be Seen” exhibition—in the heart of London’s Mary Weston Gallery—giving visitors a sweet window into their home life.
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Inside the making of a family portrait
The new portrait wasn’t snapped on a whim; it was the result of careful curation by Catherine Opie, an artist celebrated for her deeply humanising approach. She was welcomed into Elton and David’s home just days before Christmas. Of that day, Opie recalls:
"I arrived at Elton and David's house three days before [Christmas]. I met the boys and the dogs and after a great lunch together, I made this family portrait of them in their library."
For Opie, capturing the John-Furnish clan went far beyond celebrity photography.
"It is truly an honour to photograph Elton, David, Zachary and Elijah. For me, it represents the humanity of what family can be."
This image now stands alongside portraits of British history makers from Tudor times to today. For those peering at the portrait inside the Mary Weston Gallery, it’s not just about celebrity—it’s about the possibility and shape of modern family. The timing is perfect as the portrait is on view to the public from Tuesday 3 March, as part of the National Portrait Gallery’s mission to tell stories that inspire.
Capturing legacy: Music, philanthropy, and personal milestones
Sir Elton John, now 78, stands beside David Furnish, aged 63, and their two teenage sons—Zachary, 15, and Elijah, 13. The two children, born via surrogacy, have grown up in the glare of the spotlight since Elton and David’s civil partnership in 2005 and subsequent wedding in 2014. Their canine companions Joseph and Jacob bring an additional layer of warmth to the family tableau.
Victoria Siddall, director of the National Portrait Gallery, said:
"The National Portrait Gallery's Collection exists to share portraits of the people who have shaped the history and culture of the UK, from the Tudor times to today. The people on our walls, and the stories we tell about them, are a source of inspiration for the millions of people who come through our doors, and particularly the many young people who visit every year. I am delighted to welcome this important portrait of the Furnish-John family by Catherine Opie into our Collection. It celebrates not only Sir Elton John's extraordinary achievements in music but also the vital humanitarian and philanthropic work that he and David have undertaken in recent decades, and the family they have built together."
The couple’s journey to family life included civil partnership in 2005, marriage in 2014, and becoming parents through surrogacy—with Zachary born in 2010 followed by Elijah in 2013. Elton and David themselves expressed gratitude, saying:
"To have our family photographed by Catherine Opie and on display at the National Portrait Gallery is a huge honour. We are huge admirers of her work and proud to have her beautiful and poignant images in our collection."
From personal health to wearable art: Elton John’s unique story
Family milestones aren’t the only personal details to emerge. Following a knee operation in 2024, Elton decided to turn an unexpected moment into art.
“When I had my kneecaps removed, the left one first and then the right, I asked my surgeon if I could keep the kneecaps, which he was rather startled about.”
Instead of letting the memory gather dust, he approached jeweller Theo Fennell to create a custom necklace using part of his own kneecap—proving that Sir Elton’s flair for personal expression spans well beyond stage costumes and songwriting.
The portrait’s wider impact and meaning
A family photo hung in one of the UK’s most prestigious galleries does more than record a moment—it sends a message. For visitors, and especially for the younger generation, this portrait stands as a celebration of family bonds, individuality, and social impact. The story of Sir Elton John and David Furnish now joins those of historic British icons, serving as a beacon of acceptance, creativity, and love.
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Elton John and husband David Furnish pose with sons, 15 and 13, in new portrait
