LONDON.- Today the Science Museum in London unveiled a stunning portrait of pioneering conservationist Dr Jane Goodall on the first anniversary of her death, honouring a scientist whose discoveries transformed our understanding of chimpanzees and the natural world. Now on free display, the portrait has been donated to the museum and joins the Science Museum Group Collection.

Widely regarded as one of the world's most influential conservationists, Dr Jane Goodall was celebrated around the world for her long-running study of chimpanzees. Her observations of the primates challenged accepted ideas about the distinction between humans and other animals.

The large-scale portrait, created by French-born artist Mr Brainwash, who rose to prominence through Banksy's Academy Award-nominated documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop, depicts Dr Goodall opposite a chimpanzee amid lush vegetation and the artist's signature graffiti-inspired imagery.

The chimpanzee represents David Greybeard, whom Jane observed making and using tools, helping to overturn the belief that this ability was unique to humans. Other references to Jane’s life and work include the field notebooks through which she documented chimpanzee behaviour and Mr H, the soft toy monkey she carried to many public appearances in later life.

Artist Mr Brainwash said: ‘Jane showed the world that one person can make a difference. She gave us hope, but more importantly, she showed us what it means to turn that hope into action. I feel incredibly lucky to have known her, to have shared moments with her, and to have witnessed the kindness, strength, and love she carried with her everywhere she went. I created this portrait to celebrate her light and the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind. Jane taught generations to care, to believe, and to never give up. Now it is our responsibility to carry that message forward. Her light will never disappear. It will live forever. Jane’s life was beautiful.’

Measuring 1.5 metres by 2.1 metres, the near-life-size-portrait was unveiled this morning at an event with the Jane Goodall Institute, the charity founded by Jane in 1977 to promote conservation, scientific research, youth action and animal welfare.





Sir Ian Blatchford, Director and Chief Executive of the Science Museum Group, said: ‘Jane Goodall was one of the most influential scientists of the last century, and the striking portrait on display in the museum is a fitting tribute to her extraordinary legacy. Jane transformed our understanding of the natural world and inspired generations through her commitment to science, conservation and education. We are honoured to display this portrait, which reflects Jane’s pioneering research, her curiosity and her lifelong commitment to creating a better future for people, wildlife and the planet.’

Also in attendance were schoolchildren who took part in a free workshop creating bug hotels inspired by Roots & Shoots, the Jane Goodall Institute's youth educational programme. The workshop reflected Jane’s lifelong belief that young people can play an active role in protecting the natural world and that even small changes can make a meaningful difference.

Rosemary Reed, Trustee & Director of Strategic Partnerships & Media at Jane Goodall Institute UK, said: ‘Jane spent over sixty years reminding people that what they did mattered and that no act was ever too small to count. This portrait is the proof of it. It exists because people individually decided to do something, and together they have created an extraordinary public tribute to Jane in one of the great museums of the world. But what makes it even more meaningful is that this is not simply about remembering Jane. Her work with young people through Roots & Shoots will continue and grow and I cannot imagine a more fitting expression of Jane’s belief that every individual has the power to make a difference.’

The painting has been donated to the Science Museum by the Jane Goodall Institute UK and is now on display on the second floor of the museum. Its display has been made possible through the extraordinary generosity of Nick and Elena Martin’s Consano Earth Fund and the Jane Goodall Institute UK initiative’s founding supporters.

Nick and Elena Martin, of Consano Earth Fund, said: ‘Jane Goodall was a hero and inspiration to us, like she was to so many people all around the world. Having the stunning Light of Life Is Forever painting displayed at the Science Museum will help preserve Jane’s legacy. Her ethos is best captured in her own words: “Every day you live you make a difference, and you can choose what sort of difference you make.” Jane’s legacy is epitomised by Roots & Shoots, and we are delighted, through Consano Earth, to support this programme and help find the much-needed next generation of conservation and environmental leaders.’

The painting will join other significant artworks on public display in the Science Museum. These include Antony Gormley’s cast iron sculpture Iron Baby; Grayson Perry’s ceramic jar, ‘Alan Measles – God in the time of Covid-19’; Eleanor Crook’s Santa Medicina sculpture; Marc Quinn’s 3.5-metre-tall bronze statue Self-Conscious Gene; and Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg’s 1801 painting Coalbrookdale by Night.

Jane Goodall’s Life and Legacy

Born in London in 1934, Dr Jane Goodall transformed humanity's understanding of chimpanzees through her pioneering field research at Gombe Stream Game Reserve, Tanzania, beginning in 1960. Her observations, including the discovery that chimpanzees make and use tools, challenged long-held assumptions about the differences between humans and other animals.

She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and Roots & Shoots in 1991, extending her focus from ethology to global conservation, youth action and environmental advocacy.

Jane worked with the Science Museum on several occasions. In 2021, she appeared in the museum's Climate Talks programme and, in 2025, spoke at a screening of her film Reasons for Hope, taking part in a Q&A with 300 local schoolchildren. That same year, Jane received a Science Museum Group Fellowship in recognition of her outstanding contributions to primatology, conservation and the protection of biodiversity.

Later in 2025, the museum opened a temporary display exploring Jane’s journey from curious child to world-renowned scientist, co-created with Roots & Shoots UK and accompanied by activities and workshops for families and schools.