MORRISSEY AND MARR: OFFICIAL NATIONAL ICONS

First there came the tours; then, the academic conferences. Now, The Smiths' march towards national beatification continues with the news that the band are to be added to the Natrional Portrait Gallery collection.

Stephen Wright - not that one, or the other one - has offered a photo he took for the Queen Is Dead sleeve in 1986, and it's been accepted.

It might be a little early to plan a trip down to London to see it, though:

A gallery spokesman said: "We are delighted to have it but there are no definite plans to hang it at the moment. It's been offered and accepted, and will join the National Portrait Gallery collection."

They found space for Opie's Blur pictures quickly enough.

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