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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

Barry Humphries

Talking heads

About Face article

In their own words lead researcher Louise Maher on the novel project that lets the Gallery’s portraits speak for themselves.

Announcing.... In their own words

24 November 2020
Archived media releases 2020

Inspiring Australians tell their own stories in a unique new gallery audio tour, developed in collaboration with the National Library of Australia.

Self portrait with Bottlebrush
Self portrait with Bottlebrush
Self portrait with Bottlebrush

Self portrait with Bottlebrush, 1991

Margaret Olley AC
Portrait, oil on board

Purchased with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC and the Sid and Fiona Myer Family Foundation 2021

Margaret Olley

Margaret Olley

In their own words
In their own words

Recorded 1963

David Marr, 2011 by Nicholas Harding

Nicholas Harding: 28 Portraits

Exhibition essay
General content

Sarah Engledow looks at three decades of Nicholas Harding's portraiture.

Quentin Bryce

In bloom

Magazine article by Susi Muddiman, 2017

Susi Muddiman delights in Michael Zavros’ stunning portrait of the honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO.

Noel McKenna, 2016 by Mark Mohell

Noel McKenna

Explore The Popular Pet Show

It’s a matter beyond dispute that in the entire history of Australian art, it’s Noel McKenna who’s painted the liveliest rendition of the head of a Chihuahua.

Darren McDonald, 2016 by Mark Mohell

Darren McDonald

Explore The Popular Pet Show

The wild balancing act of McDonald’s home décor (is that there as a joke? where do I actually sit down? is this ironic or what? what a lovely photo of Darren and Robin in Europe!) is reflected in his own personality.

Dr Edward MacMahon, 1959 by William Dobell

Bill and Ted's excellent portrait.

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2016

Sarah Engledow on Messrs Dobell and MacMahon and the art of friendship.

First-Class Marksman, 1946 by Sidney Nolan

Money for Myth

Magazine article by Jane Raffan, 2015

Australian character on the market by Jane Raffan.

Portrait of Thea Proctor, 1905 by George Lambert

The real Thea

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2015

Long after the portraitist became indifferent to her, and died, a beguiling portrait hung over its subject.

Self portrait

In good company

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2015

Jean Appleton’s 1965 self portrait makes a fine addition to the National Portrait Gallery’s collection writes Joanna Gilmour.

Andy Thomas

Uncommon Australians

The vision of Gordon and Marilyn Darling
Previous exhibition, 2015

This exhibition showcases portraits acquired through the generosity of the National Portrait Gallery’s Founding Patrons, L Gordon Darling AC CMG and Marilyn Darling AC.

Barry Humphries

Uncommon Australians

The vision of Gordon and Marilyn Darling
General content

Sarah Engledow writes about Gordon and Marilyn Darling and their support for the National Portrait Gallery throughout its evolution.

Portrait of Margaret Olley in her Paddington studio, 2011 by John McRae

John McRae

NPPP 2012 learning resource

An interview with the photographer.

Portrait of Margaret Olley in her Paddington studio, 2011 by John McRae

Portrait of Margaret Olley in her Paddington studio, 2011

by John McRae
Image
Emmanuel at bedtime, 2011 by George Mifsud

To startle the eye

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2012

National Photographic Portrait Prize judge Joanna Gilmour previews the 2012 exhibition.

Margaret Olley
Margaret Olley
Margaret Olley

Margaret Olley, 1991 (printed 2012)

Greg Weight
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Greg Weight 2012

Gloria Petyarre by R. Ian Lloyd

Studio

Australian Painters Photographed by R. Ian Lloyd
Previous exhibition, 2007

Studio: Australian Painters Photographed by R

John Coburn

101 photographic portraits

Magazine article by Michelle Fracaro, 2004

Pat Corrigan's generous gift of 100 photographic portraits by Greg Weight.

Cathy Freeman, 1994

Depth of Field

Magazine article by Lauren Dalla, 2004

The exhibition Depth of Field displays a selection of portrait photographs that reflect the strength and diversity of Australian achievement.

In the mirror: self portrait with Joy Hester

Depth of Field

Portrait Photography from the Collection
Previous exhibition, 2004

Over the last five years the National Portrait Gallery has developed a collection of portrait photographs that reflects both the strength and diversity of Australian achievement as well as the talents of our photographers.

Margaret Olley
Margaret Olley
Margaret Olley

Margaret Olley, 1991

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Head study for portrait of Margaret Olley
Head study for portrait of Margaret Olley
Head study for portrait of Margaret Olley

Head study for portrait of Margaret Olley, 1994

Jeffrey Smart AO
Portrait, pencil on paper

Bequest of Nick Enright AM 2004

Portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch

The spirit of the gift

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2003

Former NPG Director, Andrew Sayers celebrates the support given to the Gallery by Gordon and Marilyn Darling.

Margaret Olley
Margaret Olley
Margaret Olley

Margaret Olley, 1998

Lewis Morley
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2003. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, 2002

Barry Humphries
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of the Margaret Olley Art Trust 2003

Study for Portrait of W S Robinson
Study for Portrait of W S Robinson
Study for Portrait of W S Robinson

Study for Portrait of W S Robinson, 1952

Sir William Dobell OBE
Portrait, oil on board

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2003

Sketch for portrait of Justin O'Brien
Sketch for portrait of Justin O'Brien
Sketch for portrait of Justin O'Brien

Sketch for portrait of Justin O'Brien, 1980

Bryan Westwood
Portrait, oil with fibre-tipped pen underdrawing on composition board

Gift of the Margaret Olley Art Trust 2002

Portrait of Kenneth Rowell
Portrait of Kenneth Rowell
Portrait of Kenneth Rowell

Portrait of Kenneth Rowell, 1967

David Strachan
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Margaret Olley 2002. Transferred from the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Margaret Olley
Margaret Olley
Margaret Olley

Margaret Olley, 1995

Adam Knott
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of The Hammond Care Group 1999

Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, 2001

Jeffrey Smart AO
Portrait, charcoal and pastel on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Margaret Olley Art Trust 2002

Sketch for Prime Minister Robert Menzies
Sketch for Prime Minister Robert Menzies
Sketch for Prime Minister Robert Menzies

Sketch for Prime Minister Robert Menzies, 1960

Sir William Dobell OBE
Portrait, watercolour and gouache on paper

Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 1999

Nancy Borlase and Laurie Short
Nancy Borlase and Laurie Short
Nancy Borlase and Laurie Short

Nancy Borlase and Laurie Short, 1991

Jenny Sages
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of the Margaret Olley Art Trust 1998

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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia

Phone +61 2 6102 7000
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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency