Lawrence of Arabia portraits handed trigger warning over 'cultural appropriation' of Arab clothing

The gallery said portraits, showing Thomas Edward Lawrence wearing a thobe and headdress, "may differ from today's attitudes".

It stated: "This is a historical work of art which reflects the attitudes and viewpoints of the time in which it was made.

"Whilst these may differ from today's attitudes, this image is an important historical document."

The cautionary message is featured below portraits including a pencilled sketch of Lawrence dating back to 1919 and a photograph taken in 1917.

However, trigger warnings do not feature under other portraits where he is not wearing the Arab clothing.

Many other pieces of artwork featured on the National Portrait Gallery which portray people in traditional clothing of various cultures carry the same warning, including a replica oil painting of Lord Byron in Albanian dress.

Lawrence was a British Army officer who commanded the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire, travelling from Saudi Arabia to Jordan in 1916 to update the map of the Middle East.

His work and associations earned him international fame as Lawrence of Arabia.

In his 1926 autobiography, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, Lawrence said Emir Faisal, the King of Iraq, had asked him to wear the Arabian clothing.

He wrote: "Suddenly Feisal asked me if I would wear Arab clothes like his own while in the camp.

"I should find it better for my own part, since it was a comfortable dress in which to live Arab-fashion as we must do.

"Besides, the tribesmen would then understand how to take me."

"If I wore Meccan clothes, they would behave to me as though I were really one of the leaders," he added.

Lawrence's work inspired the 1962 film, Lawrence of Arabia, in which his character was played by Peter O'Toole.

The film earned several Academy Awards, including for best picture and best actor.

GB News has contacted the National Portrait Gallery for comment.