Touring for the first time since it was saved for the nation in 2023, Portrait of Mai by Sir Joshua Reynolds will travel to Bradford’s Cartwright Hall. Formerly known as ‘Omai’ in England, Mai was a native of Raietea, an island that is now part of French Polynesia. He spent time in London between 1774 and 1776, where he was received by royalty, painted by Reynolds and became something of a celebrity, socialising with elite and fashionable society.

Journeys with Mai offers opportunities for the 18th-century painting to speak meaningfully to contemporary audiences through a national tour and events for young people.