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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.

Alfred Hill
Alfred Hill
Alfred Hill

Alfred Hill, 1936

Rayner Hoff
Portrait, cast plaster, patinated on wooden base

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2000

Sidney Myer

Four from the 30s

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2003

Australia's tradition of sculpted portraits stretches back to the early decades of the nineteenth century and continues to sustain a group of dedicated sculptors.

Alfred Hill
Alfred Hill
Alfred Hill

Alfred Hill, c. 1911-1913

May and Mina Moore photographic studio, Annie May Moore, Minnie Louise Moore
Portrait, photograph on paper on card mounted on canvas

Gift of Catherine Dwyer 2021

Installing David Walsh

On the road again

Magazine article by Dr Deborah Hill, 2017

Deborah Hill talks figures with character, as the National Portrait Gallery touring exhibitions program welcomes its millionth visitor.

In memory of the Rev William Hill
In memory of the Rev William Hill
In memory of the Rev William Hill

In memory of the Rev William Hill, 1869

Charles Wherrett
Portrait, albumen silver carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

Clem Hill (member of the 1896 Australian Cricket Team)
Clem Hill (member of the 1896 Australian Cricket Team)
Clem Hill (member of the 1896 Australian Cricket Team)

Clem Hill (member of the 1896 Australian Cricket Team), 1896

H Parker Rolfe
Portrait, albumen photograph on cabinet card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2014

Barry Hill
Barry Hill
Barry Hill

Barry Hill, 1993

Rick Amor
Portrait, drypoint and roulette on wove paper

Gift of the artist 2005. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Dr Alfred Barry
Dr Alfred Barry
Dr Alfred Barry

Dr Alfred Barry, c. 1870

Sarony & Co
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

Queen's Birthday Weekend, 2013 by Alan Hill and Kelly Hussey-Smith

Queen's Birthday Weekend, 2013

by Alan Hill and Kelly Hussey-Smith
Image
William Robertson
William Robertson
William Robertson

William Robertson, 1866

Thomas Adams Hill
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Malcolm Robertson in memory of William Thomas Robertson 2018
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Alfred Simpson
Alfred Simpson
Alfred Simpson

Alfred Simpson, c. 1866

an unknown artist
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2014

The Bishop of Sydney DD (Alfred Barry)
The Bishop of Sydney DD (Alfred Barry)
The Bishop of Sydney DD (Alfred Barry)

The Bishop of Sydney DD (Alfred Barry), 1884

Albert Fradelle
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Ted and Gina Gregg 2012

HRH Prince Alfred
HRH Prince Alfred
HRH Prince Alfred

HRH Prince Alfred, c. 1868

an unknown artist
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on laid on paper with printed boarder

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Ted and Gina Gregg 2012

Prince Alfred
Prince Alfred
Prince Alfred

Prince Alfred, 1860

John J. Mayall
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite photograph on card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2020

H.R.H. The Prince Alfred
H.R.H. The Prince Alfred
H.R.H. The Prince Alfred

H.R.H. The Prince Alfred, 1860

John J. Mayall
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite photograph on card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2020

image not online

Confide in Me

Magazine article by Sarah Hill, 2002

This article examines the photographic portraiture of Polly Borland.

A G Stephens
A G Stephens
A G Stephens

A G Stephens, c. 1910 (printed later)

an unknown artist
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh and Suite in Mining Costume after descending the Band of Hope Gold Mine, Ballarat, Australia
H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh and Suite in Mining Costume after descending the Band of Hope Gold Mine, Ballarat, Australia
H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh and Suite in Mining Costume after descending the Band of Hope Gold Mine, Ballarat, Australia

H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh and Suite in Mining Costume after descending the Band of Hope Gold Mine, Ballarat, Australia, 1867

Roberts Brothers, Ballarat
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite photograph on card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2020

Alfred Stephen
Alfred Stephen
Alfred Stephen

Alfred Stephen, 1885

William Macleod after Newman
Portrait, tinted lithograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2015

Australia (The Hon. Alfred Deakin)
Australia (The Hon. Alfred Deakin)
Australia (The Hon. Alfred Deakin)

Australia (The Hon. Alfred Deakin), 1908

Sir Leslie Ward, Vanity Fair Magazine
Portrait, chromolithograph on paper

Gift of Ronald A Walker 2009. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Men of the Day No. 5
Men of the Day No. 5
Men of the Day No. 5

Men of the Day No. 5 "As straight as a reed" (Henry John Rous), 1870

Alfred Thompson, Vanity Fair Magazine
Portrait, chromolithograph on paper

Purchased 2015

Fairie (A W Cox)
Fairie (A W Cox)
Fairie (A W Cox)

Fairie (A W Cox), 1910

Sir Leslie Ward, Hentschel-Colourtype, Vanity Fair Magazine
Portrait, chromolithograph on paper

Purchased 2015

Peace and War (Mr A. G. Hales)
Peace and War (Mr A. G. Hales)
Peace and War (Mr A. G. Hales)

Peace and War (Mr A. G. Hales), 1908

Sir Leslie Ward, Vanity Fair Magazine
Portrait, chromolithograph on paper

Gift of Ronald A Walker 2009. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

William John Wills, 2nd in command of the Victorian Expedition
William John Wills, 2nd in command of the Victorian Expedition
William John Wills, 2nd in command of the Victorian Expedition

William John Wills, 2nd in command of the Victorian Expedition, 1860-1861

Henry Samuel Sadd, Fergusson & Mitchell, Melbourne after Thomas Adams Hill
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Ross A Field 2007

Robert O'Hara Burke, Leader of the Victorian Expedition
Robert O'Hara Burke, Leader of the Victorian Expedition
Robert O'Hara Burke, Leader of the Victorian Expedition

Robert O'Hara Burke, Leader of the Victorian Expedition, 1860-1861

Henry Samuel Sadd, Fergusson & Mitchell, Melbourne after Thomas Adams Hill
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Ross A Field 2007

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Captain Charles Ulm

The Wonder Years

Magazine article by Sarah Hill, 2001

Sarah Hill introduces the portrait busts of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Captain Charles Ulm by Enid Fleming.

Mary Ann Lawrence, 1841

Fits of delicacy and despair

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2009

Henry Mundy's portraits flesh out notions of propriety and good taste in a convict colony.

On train from New York to Memphis, July 4, 1956 by Alfred Wertheimer

Elvis At 21

Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer
Previous exhibition, 2013

Elvis at 21 is a photographic exhibition capturing Elvis’ rise to fame in the year 1956, before security and money built walls between him and his fans.

Pro Hart, Broken Hill, NSW
Pro Hart, Broken Hill, NSW
Pro Hart, Broken Hill, NSW

Pro Hart, Broken Hill, NSW, 2004

John Elliott
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005

Patrick White, Castle Hill, Sydney
Patrick White, Castle Hill, Sydney
Patrick White, Castle Hill, Sydney

Patrick White, Castle Hill, Sydney, 1963 (printed 2000)

David Moore
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

The series 'David Moore: From Face to Face' was acquired as a gift of the artist and with financial assistance from Timothy Fairfax AC and L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2001

Sarah Simpson
Sarah Simpson
Sarah Simpson

Sarah Simpson, c. 1866

an unknown artist
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2014

Lee Kernaghan near Broken Hill
Lee Kernaghan near Broken Hill
Lee Kernaghan near Broken Hill

Lee Kernaghan near Broken Hill, 2005

Ian Jennings
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2008

Kelly Dixon, Tent Hill, Qld
Kelly Dixon, Tent Hill, Qld
Kelly Dixon, Tent Hill, Qld

Kelly Dixon, Tent Hill, Qld, 2004

John Elliott
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005

Renata Pari-Lewis and Jess Hill

Renata Pari-Lewis and Jess Hill

Vox pops

It's really strange to see myself portrayed like that, because when you have those private moments it's only you having that private moment to yourself.

Slim Dusty at Carlton Hill Station, WA
Slim Dusty at Carlton Hill Station, WA
Slim Dusty at Carlton Hill Station, WA

Slim Dusty at Carlton Hill Station, WA, 1993

John Elliott
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 1999

Nora Heysen with her dog sitting outside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney
Nora Heysen with her dog sitting outside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney
Nora Heysen with her dog sitting outside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney

Nora Heysen with her dog sitting outside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney, 2000

Sage
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph, sepia toned on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2001

Mark Bethwaite, North Broken Hill, Olympic Yachtsman
Mark Bethwaite, North Broken Hill, Olympic Yachtsman
Mark Bethwaite, North Broken Hill, Olympic Yachtsman

Mark Bethwaite, North Broken Hill, Olympic Yachtsman,

Joe Greenberg
Portrait, watercolour, crayon, coloured pencil, fibre-tipped pen and gouache on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2001

Nora Heysen with her dog standing outside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney
Nora Heysen with her dog standing outside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney
Nora Heysen with her dog standing outside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney

Nora Heysen with her dog standing outside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney, 2000

Sage
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph, sepia toned on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2001

Nora Heysen inside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney
Nora Heysen inside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney
Nora Heysen inside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney

Nora Heysen inside her home, Hunters Hill, Sydney, 2000

Sage
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph, sepia toned on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2001

On train from New York to Memphis, July 4, 1956 by Alfred Wertheimer

Image downloads

Elvis at 21
Elvis at 21 media information

Hi-resolution images for media representatives, password required.

Slim Dusty and Dame Edna Everage, Carlton Hill Station, WA, 10 July 1993
Slim Dusty and Dame Edna Everage, Carlton Hill Station, WA, 10 July 1993
Slim Dusty and Dame Edna Everage, Carlton Hill Station, WA, 10 July 1993

Slim Dusty and Dame Edna Everage, Carlton Hill Station, WA, 10 July 1993, 1993

John Elliott
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 1999

On train from New York to Memphis, July 4, 1956 by Alfred Wertheimer

Elvis at 21 media information

25 October 2013
Archived media releases 2013

Press releases and images downloads for media.

Tara Callaghan, Suzie Furness, and Angus Trumble

One Millionth Visitor to Portrait Gallery Touring Program

13 November 2017
Archived media releases 2017

The National Portrait Gallery is delighted to announce the Gallery’s Touring Exhibitions Program has welcomed its one millionth visitor.

Brendan, NT, 2006 by Conor O'Brien

Brendan, NT, 2006

by Conor O'Brien
Image
The Heart

Headspace 8

The Journey
Previous exhibition, 2007

This year's theme calls upon students to consider the concept of 'The Journey'.

Stanley Argyle
Stanley Argyle
Stanley Argyle

Stanley Argyle, 1924

Tom Glover
Portrait, pen and ink on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

In another land, 2020 Geoff Harvey

In another land

Geoff Harvey
Image
Martha Mary Robertson
Martha Mary Robertson
Martha Mary Robertson

Martha Mary Robertson, 1866

Johnstone O'Shannessy & Co
Portrait, albumen photograph on carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Malcolm Robertson in memory of William Thomas Robertson 2018
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Prison and death in the 19th century

Two iBooks of authentic records
Learning resources

These books include sixteen inmates including Ned Kelly, Captain Moonlite and Frederick Deeming and twelve sketches of the deceased, including several children. For Year 7 – 9 students.

Shirley Purdie

Contributing artists

Born: 1947, Gilbun – Mabel Downs Station, WA
Works: Warmun, WA

Roo shooter's offsider, 2017 by Adam Ferguson

Roo shooter's offsider, 2017

by Adam Ferguson
Image
Chips Rafferty
Chips Rafferty
Chips Rafferty

Chips Rafferty, c. 1945

Max Dupain OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Timothy Fairfax AC 2003

Jesse, 2010 by Lia Steele

Jesse, 2010

by Lia Steele
Image
Behind closed doors, 2021 Renata Pari-Lewis

Behind closed doors

Renata Pari-Lewis
Image
George Reid paperweight
George Reid paperweight
George Reid paperweight

George Reid paperweight, c. 1910

unknown artist
Portrait, painted cast iron

Purchased 2006

George Reid paperweight
George Reid paperweight
George Reid paperweight

George Reid paperweight, c. 1910

unknown artist
Portrait, painted cast iron

Purchased 2001

The steam apprentice, 2009 by Gary Steer

The steam apprentice, 2009

by Gary Steer
Image
Decorative portrait – Len Lye, c.1925 by Rayner Hoff (1894-1937)

Presence and Absence

Portrait Sculpture in Australia
Previous exhibition, 2003

This exhibition focuses on exploring national and communal identity through sculptural production in Australia, from the early decades of settlement through to the present day

Future Australian, 2009 by Robin Sellick

Future Australian, 2009

by Robin Sellick
Image
Richard Rouse (copy of drawing by William Griffith)
Richard Rouse (copy of drawing by William Griffith)
Richard Rouse (copy of drawing by William Griffith)

Richard Rouse (copy of drawing by William Griffith), c. 1847

an unknown artist
Portrait, pencil, ink and watercolour on paper

Gift of Pamela Glasson 2009
Collected by Leila Haigh (nee Rouse)

Sir Macfarlane Burnet

Nobel and his prize

Magazine article by Jennifer Gason, 2003

To complement the exhibition Australians and the Nobel Prize, Jennifer Gason gives us a sense of the proceedings that occur during the award ceremony.

David Clarke
David Clarke
David Clarke

David Clarke, 1995 (printed 2018)

Gary Ede
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2018

Gough Whitlam

Prime Ministers

About Face article

On the day before the Hon. E. G. Whitlam, AC, QC, died last month, at the great age of 98, there were seven former prime ministers of Australia still living, plus the incumbent Mr. Abbott – eight in all.

Miss Robertson of Colac (Dolly), 1885-86

Brothers on farms

Magazine article by Malcolm Robertson, 2011

Malcolm Robertson tells the family history of one of Australia's earliest patrons of the arts, his Scottish born great great great grandfather, William Robertson.

London, 1952 by Bill Brandt

Bill Brandt

A Retrospective
Previous exhibition, 2002

From Brandt's early work that documents fixed social contrasts of pre-World War II life in Britain to his later experimentation with a surreal style, this exhibition spans 50 years of Brandt's far reaching career in an extensive assemblage of 155 vintage gelatin silver prints from the Bill Brandt Archive in London.

Eleanor Wingate (née Rouse)
Eleanor Wingate (née Rouse)
Eleanor Wingate (née Rouse)

Eleanor Wingate (née Rouse), c. 1850

an unknown artist
Portrait, hand coloured photograph

Gift of Pamela Glasson 2009
Collected by Leila Haigh (nee Rouse)

Elvis at 21 learning resource

Learning resource archive

Complementing our 2013 exhibition Elvis at 21, this resource has connections with the Australian Curriculum and is designed primarily for Year 10 teachers of English, History, Music and Visual Arts.

Sir Cecil Colville
Sir Cecil Colville
Sir Cecil Colville

Sir Cecil Colville, c. 1965

Sir William Dargie CBE
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Richard Due 2010

King Edward VII, 1910 by George Lambert

Of Kings and men

Celebrating 100 years of the Historic Memorials Collection
Previous exhibition, 2011

This display celebrates 100 years of the Historic Memorials Collection and its role in commissioning portraits of parliamentary and judicial figures in Australia.

Mr and Mrs Horace Keats in the

Heartfelt

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2009

The portrait of Janet and Horace Keats with the spirit of the poet Christopher Brennan is brought to life by artist Dora Toovey.

Billy Hughes paperweight
Billy Hughes paperweight
Billy Hughes paperweight

Billy Hughes paperweight, n.d.

an unknown artist
Portrait, cast iron, painted

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Ric Techow and Jenny Techow-Coleman in memory of Roy and Bet Techow 2001

Sir George Ferguson Bowen
Sir George Ferguson Bowen
Sir George Ferguson Bowen

Sir George Ferguson Bowen, c. 1873

Bardwell's Royal Studio
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Purchased with funds provided by Graham Smith 2009

Cyril Henschke in his tasting room at Keyneton
Cyril Henschke in his tasting room at Keyneton
Cyril Henschke in his tasting room at Keyneton

Cyril Henschke in his tasting room at Keyneton, 1968

Douglass Baglin
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005

Patrick White at Centennial Park, 1979–1980

White Whiteley

The portrait of Patrick White by Brett Whiteley
Previous exhibition, 2012

Eleven works by Brett Whiteley, centred around his scintillating 'Patrick White at Centennial Park 1979-1980'.

image not online

Flynn of the Inland, 1955-1956

Harry Hudson
Portrait, pen, ink and gouache on paper

Purchased 1999

Dr J.R. Vickery, O.B.E.
Dr J.R. Vickery, O.B.E.
Dr J.R. Vickery, O.B.E.

Dr J.R. Vickery, O.B.E., 1967

William Pidgeon
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the CSIRO Agriculture and Food Division 2017

Maurice O'Shea
Maurice O'Shea
Maurice O'Shea

Maurice O'Shea, 1951 (printed 2003)

Max Dupain OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2005

Dame Judith Anderson
Dame Judith Anderson
Dame Judith Anderson

Dame Judith Anderson, 1962

Don Bachardy
Portrait, pen and ink and drybrush on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 1999

R O'Hara Burke
R O'Hara Burke
R O'Hara Burke

R O'Hara Burke, c. 1861

De Gruchy & Leigh
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Purchased 2009

Edward Knox
Edward Knox
Edward Knox

Edward Knox, c. 1927-1929

W B McInnes
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Mrs Caroline Philippa Parker 2005. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

The Australian exploring expedition travelling through scrub (from the Illustrated London News 1879)
The Australian exploring expedition travelling through scrub (from the Illustrated London News 1879)
The Australian exploring expedition travelling through scrub (from the Illustrated London News 1879)

The Australian exploring expedition travelling through scrub (from the Illustrated London News 1879), 1876

The Illustrated London News after Jesse Young
Portrait, wood engraving on paper

Purchased 2010

William Robertson and Martha Mary Robertson

A charming prospect

Nearest & Dearest

Family fortunes

Pro Hart & Associates
Pro Hart & Associates
Pro Hart & Associates

Pro Hart & Associates, 2004

Nick Young
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2004

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

Jacques Miller
Jacques Miller
Jacques Miller

Jacques Miller, 2012

Dave Tacon
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

William John Wills
William John Wills
William John Wills

William John Wills, c. 1861

De Gruchy & Leigh
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2009

Patrick White and Manoly Lascaris

A life shared

Devotion

Wartime romance

Georg von Neumayer
Georg von Neumayer
Georg von Neumayer

Georg von Neumayer, c. 1860

Johnstone & Co
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by Graham Smith 2009

Jean Bellette
Jean Bellette
Jean Bellette

Jean Bellette, 1937

Adrian Lawlor
Portrait, oil on composition board

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2009

Sir Lindesay Clark
Sir Lindesay Clark
Sir Lindesay Clark

Sir Lindesay Clark, 1973

Clifton Pugh AO
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Alcoa World Alumina Australia 2005. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Professor Paul Korner
Professor Paul Korner
Professor Paul Korner

Professor Paul Korner, 2011

Andrew Sullivan
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Ann Korner, Nicholas Korner, Anthony Korner and Harriet Bingham 2015

Robert O'Hara Burke
Robert O'Hara Burke
Robert O'Hara Burke

Robert O'Hara Burke, c. 1860

Melbourne and Sydney Photographic Co
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2001

Billy Cook and Pride of Egypt
Billy Cook and Pride of Egypt
Billy Cook and Pride of Egypt

Billy Cook and Pride of Egypt, 1954

Ern McQuillan OAM
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2004

Portrait of Philip Nitschke
Portrait of Philip Nitschke
Portrait of Philip Nitschke

Portrait of Philip Nitschke, 1998 (re-worked 2009)

Amanda King
Portrait, oil crayon and collage of printed magazine cuttings

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2009

Thomas and John Clarke, bushrangers, photographed in Braidwood Gaol
Thomas and John Clarke, bushrangers, photographed in Braidwood Gaol
Thomas and John Clarke, bushrangers, photographed in Braidwood Gaol

Thomas and John Clarke, bushrangers, photographed in Braidwood Gaol, 1867

an unknown artist
Portrait, albumen silver photograph on laid down on a section cut from a nineteenth century album page

Purchased 2019

Sir Oswald Brierly
Sir Oswald Brierly
Sir Oswald Brierly

Sir Oswald Brierly, c. 1870

London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2015

Vali Myers
Vali Myers
Vali Myers

Vali Myers, 2001

Eva Collins
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2003

Reg Richardson AM

2015-17 Acquisition Fund

Annual Appeal

From 2015 to 2017 the Acquisition Fund was focussed on Reg Richardson AM by Mitch Cairns, a finalist in the Archibald Prize 2014, and a great example of minimalist portraiture.

Jack Charles

Jack Charles

In their own words
In their own words

Recorded 2022

Barton and Watson
Barton and Watson
Barton and Watson

Barton and Watson, 1902

G. H. Dancey
Portrait, pen and ink on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

William Robertson jnr
William Robertson jnr
William Robertson jnr

William Robertson jnr, c. 1852

an unknown artist
Portrait, 1/6 plate daguerreotype, hand coloured with case

Gift of Fiona Turner (née Robertson) and John Robertson 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Songman, portrait of Kev Carmody
Songman, portrait of Kev Carmody
Songman, portrait of Kev Carmody

Songman, portrait of Kev Carmody, 2006

Peter Hudson
Portrait, oil on canvas laid on composition board

Courtesy of Kev Carmody, Song Cycles Pty Ltd.

Study for the portrait of Aldo Giurgola
Study for the portrait of Aldo Giurgola
Study for the portrait of Aldo Giurgola

Study for the portrait of Aldo Giurgola, 2005

Mandy Martin
Portrait, gouache, fibre tip pen and natural pigment on colour photocopy

Gift of the artist 2005

Joe Darling (Joseph Darling, member of the 1896 Australian Cricket Team)
Joe Darling (Joseph Darling, member of the 1896 Australian Cricket Team)
Joe Darling (Joseph Darling, member of the 1896 Australian Cricket Team)

Joe Darling (Joseph Darling, member of the 1896 Australian Cricket Team), 1896

H Parker Rolfe
Portrait, albumen photograph on cabinet card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2014

Reg Richardson AM
Reg Richardson AM
Reg Richardson AM

Reg Richardson AM, 2014

Mitch Cairns
Portrait, oil on linen

Purchased with funds provided by the Circle of Friends 2015

Anna Meares

Narelle Autio

In their own words
In their own words

Recorded 2018

Sammy (Samuel Wood)
Sammy (Samuel Wood)
Sammy (Samuel Wood)

Sammy (Samuel Wood), 1892

Henry Seppings-Wright, Vanity Fair Magazine
Portrait, chromolithograph on paper

Purchased 2010

Jack Purtell
Jack Purtell
Jack Purtell

Jack Purtell, n.d.

John Frith
Portrait, plasticine maquette

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Frith family 2013

Portrait of an Artist (Self portrait)
Portrait of an Artist (Self portrait)
Portrait of an Artist (Self portrait)

Portrait of an Artist (Self portrait), 1944

David Strachan
Portrait, oil on canvas board

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2017

Joan Croll
Joan Croll
Joan Croll

Joan Croll, 1976

John Brack
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Frank Croll and Dr Joan Croll AO 2001. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Jack Mundey
Jack Mundey
Jack Mundey

Jack Mundey, 1997

Lewis Morley
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2007

Lady Knox
Lady Knox
Lady Knox

Lady Knox, c. 1927-1929

W B McInnes
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Mrs Caroline Philippa Parker 2005. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Study for portrait of Joan Croll
Study for portrait of Joan Croll
Study for portrait of Joan Croll

Study for portrait of Joan Croll, 1976

John Brack
Portrait, conté crayon on paper

Gift of Dr Joan Croll AO 2007. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Jimmy Barnes at The Coogee Bay Hotel 1984 (detail) Grant Matthews

Pub Rock

Your backstage pass to 70s and 80s sounds and scenes
Previous exhibition, 2020

Celebrate the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our nation’s identity.

Paddy Jaminji
Paddy Jaminji
Paddy Jaminji

Paddy Jaminji, 1986

Martin van der Wal
Portrait, inkjet print on rag paper

Purchased 2005

Jack Mundey
Jack Mundey
Jack Mundey

Jack Mundey, 1985

phra ajahn ekaggata fka terry milligan
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2013

Elizabeth Henrietta Fitzgerald (née Rouse)
Elizabeth Henrietta Fitzgerald (née Rouse)
Elizabeth Henrietta Fitzgerald (née Rouse)

Elizabeth Henrietta Fitzgerald (née Rouse), c. 1850

an unknown artist
Portrait, hand coloured photograph

Gift of Pamela Glasson 2009
Collected by Leila Haigh (nee Rouse)

Marcie Elizabeth Wilson
Marcie Elizabeth Wilson
Marcie Elizabeth Wilson

Marcie Elizabeth Wilson, 1922

George Lambert
Portrait, pencil on paper

Gift of the Simpson family in memory of Caroline Simpson OAM 2008. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

William Robertson junior
William Robertson junior
William Robertson junior

William Robertson junior, c. 1857

Conway Hart
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2017

William St Leonards Robertson
William St Leonards Robertson
William St Leonards Robertson

William St Leonards Robertson, c. 1865

an unknown artist
Portrait, ambrotype, hand coloured

Gift of Fiona Turner (née Robertson) and John Robertson 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into the hand of traditional land owner Vincent Lingiari
Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into the hand of traditional land owner Vincent Lingiari
Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into the hand of traditional land owner Vincent Lingiari

Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into the hand of traditional land owner Vincent Lingiari, 1975

Mervyn Bishop
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2000

Dan Sultan
Dan Sultan
Dan Sultan

Dan Sultan, 2011

Martin Philbey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Ruth and Peter McMullin 2013

image not online

Return (Balang T.E. Lewis), 2016

Philip Myers
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2019

Edward Knox Jnr and Thomas Forster Knox.
Edward Knox Jnr and Thomas Forster Knox.
Edward Knox Jnr and Thomas Forster Knox.

Edward Knox Jnr and Thomas Forster Knox., c. 1855

an unknown artist
Portrait, daguerreotype

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Dr Peter Halliday in memory of Norah Knox 2010

Professor Geoffrey Burnstock
Professor Geoffrey Burnstock
Professor Geoffrey Burnstock

Professor Geoffrey Burnstock, 1971

Andrew Sibley
Portrait, brush and ink, gouache on paper

Gift of the artist 2002. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Thomas Keneally
Thomas Keneally
Thomas Keneally

Thomas Keneally, 1987

Bernd Heinrich
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2005
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Professor Geoffrey Burnstock
Professor Geoffrey Burnstock
Professor Geoffrey Burnstock

Professor Geoffrey Burnstock, 1971

Andrew Sibley
Portrait, brush and ink, gouache and watercolour on paper

Gift of the artist 2002. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Prime Minister Gough Whitlam pours soil into the hand of traditional land owner Vincent Lingiari

A handful of sand

Magazine article by Ellen Kent, 2007

Ellen Kent examines the portrait of Vincent Lingiari and Prime Minister Gough Whitlam taken by photographer Mervyn Bishop.

Thilin-Thilin Gooragall Nyajaringil Garnkiny-nu (white gum tree, mother for the moon), 2018 by Shirley Purdie

Storytelling

General content

The fourth row of paintings interweave Ngarranggarni, memories, relationships and Country.

Peter Allen
Peter Allen
Peter Allen

Peter Allen, 1980

William Yang
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2003

Portrait of Mrs Tom Roberts

2013-14 Acquisition Fund

Annual Appeal

This 1910 portrait of Elizabeth Sarah (Lillie) Roberts by Tom Roberts was brought into the Gallery's collection with the assistance of the Acquisition Fund in 2013.

David Malouf

2012-13 Acquisition Fund

Annual Appeal

The Circle of Friends Acquisition Fund for 2012 was dedicated to purchasing a portrait of David Malouf by Rick Amor.

Tom E Lewis [Balang T E Lewis]
Tom E Lewis [Balang T E Lewis]
Tom E Lewis [Balang T E Lewis]

Tom E Lewis [Balang T E Lewis], n.d.

Juno Gemes
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2021

Slim Dusty and Dame Edna Everage, Carlton Hill Station, WA, 10 July 1993

Rarely Everage

The Lives of Barry Humphries
Previous exhibition, 2002

The exhibition begins with Barry's childhood in Camberwell, Melbourne and chronicles his days as a struggling actor in Australia and England, his creation of characters including Barry McKenzie, Dame Edna Everage, Sandy Stone and Sir Les Patterson

Self portrait, 1970 by Matthew Perceval

Portrait Paintings by Matthew Perceval

Previous exhibition, 2007

From 1967 until 1981 Matthew Perceval lived and painted in France and during those years produced a large body of portrait paintings.

Brian Croser AO
Brian Croser AO
Brian Croser AO

Brian Croser AO, 1998

Kate Gollings
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph, selenium toned on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2001

Marilyn Ball, Albatross, 2018 (detail) by Linde Ivimey

So Fine

Contemporary women artists make Australian history
Previous exhibition, 2018

This exhibition features new works from ten women artists reinterpreting and reimagining elements of Australian history, enriching the contemporary narrative around Australia’s history and biography, reflecting the tradition of storytelling in our country.

Chris Wallace-Crabbe

2014-15 Acquisition Fund

Annual Appeal

Kristin Headlam's portrait of Chris Wallace-Crabbe was acquired with the support of the Circle of Friends in 2014.

Adam Scott: at Sanctuary Cove Golf Course
Adam Scott: at Sanctuary Cove Golf Course
Adam Scott: at Sanctuary Cove Golf Course

Adam Scott: at Sanctuary Cove Golf Course, 2006

Robin Sellick
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2006

Sue Ford 1980-2006
Sue Ford 1980-2006
Sue Ford 1980-2006

Sue Ford 1980-2006, 1980-2006 (printed 2013)

Ruth Maddison
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2013

image not online

Geoffrey Tozer, 1966

Rollo Thomson
Portrait, oil on canvas board

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Estate of Geoffrey Tozer 2012

image not online

Xavier Herbert, early 1980s (printed 2018)

Jacqueline Mitelman
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2018

Right Rev Dr Lawrence Bonaventure Sheil OSF
Right Rev Dr Lawrence Bonaventure Sheil OSF
Right Rev Dr Lawrence Bonaventure Sheil OSF

Right Rev Dr Lawrence Bonaventure Sheil OSF, c. 1872

Bardwell's Royal Studio
Portrait, albumen silver carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

William Robertson
William Robertson
William Robertson

William Robertson, c. 1852

an unknown artist
Portrait, 1/6 plate daguerreotype, hand coloured with case

Gift of Fiona Turner (née Robertson) and John Robertson 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Dayiwool Ngarranggarni (Arygle dreaming), 2018 by Shirley Purdie

Ngarranggarni

General content

The third row of paintings come from Ngarranggarni (Dreaming).

Lee Kernaghan near Broken Hill

Milestones

About Face article

This month I turn fifty, soI am just now looking rather more closely than usual at Fiona Foley, Steven Heathcote, Brenda Croft, Russell Crowe, Jeff Fenech, Akira Isogawa, Lee Kernaghan, My Le Thi, Shona Wilson and Mark Taylor AO, mindful that they too were 1964 arrivals. 

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.

Lloyd Rees at the Rock in 1975
Lloyd Rees at the Rock in 1975
Lloyd Rees at the Rock in 1975

Lloyd Rees at the Rock in 1975, 1984

Roderick Shaw
Portrait, oil and oil pastel on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2001

image not online

Dr Sarah Engledow

Biography

Dr Sarah Engledow was appointed Historian at the National Portrait Gallery in 1999.

Rosaleen Norton, Witch of Kings Cross

Rennie Ellis

Aussies All
Previous exhibition, 2006

Rennie Ellis: Aussies All is a celebration of the life and work of the late Australian photographer Rennie Ellis.

Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, 1934

Nora Heysen AM
Portrait, oil on canvas

Purchased 1999

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.

Ned Kelly death mask

Sideshow Alley

Infamy, the macabre & the portrait
Previous exhibition, 2015

Death masks, post-mortem drawings and other spooky and disquieting portraits... Come and see how portraits of infamous Australians were used in the 19th century.

Damien Parer

Mirror With A Memory

Photographic Portraiture in Australia
Previous exhibition, 2000

This is the first major exhibition to examine photographic portraiture in Australia, from its beginnings in the early 1840s to the present day

Self portrait

Elegance in exile

Portrait drawings from colonial Australia
Previous exhibition, 2012

Elegance in exile is an exhibition surveying the work of Richard Read senior, Thomas Bock, Thomas Griffiths Wainewright and Charles Rodius: four artists who, though exiled to Australia as convicts, created many of the most significant and elegant portraits of the colonial period.

Steve Irwin
Steve Irwin
Steve Irwin

Steve Irwin, 2005

Robin Sellick
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2006

Self Portrait (Textanude) by Arlene TextaQueen

Animated

Self Portraits Online
Previous exhibition, 2008

Animated is the National Portrait Gallery's first online exhibition.

Frank Fenner AC CMG MBE
Frank Fenner AC CMG MBE
Frank Fenner AC CMG MBE

Frank Fenner AC CMG MBE, 2007

Jude Rae
Portrait, oil on canvas

Commissioned with funds provided by Mr Anthony Adair and Ms Karen MacLeod 2007

Bob Hawke

Primed

Some Prime Ministers
Previous exhibition, 2019

Seventeen of Australia’s thirty prime ministers to date are represented in the contrasting sizes, moods and mediums of these portraits.

James, Rebecca and Sam Mapu

Time and light

In Gallery Seven
Previous exhibition, 2023

This sample of 56 photographs takes in some of the smallest photographs we own and some of the largest, some of the earliest and some of the most recent, as well as multiple photographic processes from daguerreotypes to digital media.

Edward John Eyre
Edward John Eyre
Edward John Eyre

Edward John Eyre, 1867

Julia Margaret Cameron
Portrait, albumen silver photograph on paper

Presented by Sir Roy Strong and the late Dr Julia Trevelyan Oman in memory of their friendship with Gordon Darling and Marilyn Darling 2006

Rosina Carandini
Rosina Carandini
Rosina Carandini

Rosina Carandini, mid 1860s

Charles Hewitt
Portrait, albumen photograph on carte de visite

Purchased with funds provided by Graham Smith 2009

Patrick White and Manoly Lascaris
Patrick White and Manoly Lascaris
Patrick White and Manoly Lascaris

Patrick White and Manoly Lascaris, 1987

Max Dupain OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Danina Dupain Anderson 2018. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Patrick White #1
Patrick White #1
Patrick White #1

Patrick White #1, 1980

William Yang
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 1998

Shane Warne
Shane Warne
Shane Warne

Shane Warne, 2006

Robin Sellick
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2006

Margaret Robertson
Margaret Robertson
Margaret Robertson

Margaret Robertson, c. 1863

Batchelder & O'Neill
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Malcolm Robertson in memory of William Thomas Robertson 2018
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Fannie Carandini
Fannie Carandini
Fannie Carandini

Fannie Carandini, mid 1860s

Charles Hewitt
Portrait, albumen photograph on carte de visite

Purchased with funds provided by Graham Smith 2009

Lucky Day, 2011 by Nikki Toole

Nikki Toole

NPPP 2012 learning resource

An interview with the photographer.

Dan Sultan

Dan the man

Magazine article by India Bednall, 2015

Martin Philbey’s portrait of Dan Sultan.

Margaret Fulton

Masters of Fare

Chefs, winemakers, providores
Previous exhibition, 2004

Masters of fare: chefs, winemakers, providores celebrates men and women who have championed the unique culinary characteristics and produce of Australia, enriching our lives with new ideas and new flavours over the past forty years.

Layne Beachley

Collection: Icons

Volume One
Previous exhibition, 2018

When a portrait communicates determination and individuality as boldly as these do, it has the potential to become an iconic image. For the Gallery’s 20th birthday this display brings together a group contemporary photographic portraits of inspiring women and men.

Barry Humphries

Clifton Pugh

Australians
Previous exhibition, 2005

This exhibition offers a comprehensive display of Clifton Pugh's portraits revealing his development and growth from tonal paintings to a unique style that was in demand from politicians, artists, academics and Australian personalities.

William St. Leonards Robertson
William St. Leonards Robertson
William St. Leonards Robertson

William St. Leonards Robertson, c. 1869

Johnstone O'Shannessy & Co
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Malcolm Robertson in memory of William Thomas Robertson 2018
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Jessie Street

First Ladies

Significant Australian Women 1913–2013
Previous exhibition, 2013

First Ladies profiles women who have achieved noteworthy firsts over the past 100 years.

Nicholas Chevalier
Nicholas Chevalier
Nicholas Chevalier

Nicholas Chevalier, c. 1867

Johnstone O'Shannessy & Co
Portrait, albumen photograph on carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by Graham Smith 2009

Lee Kernaghan near Broken Hill

Australian of the Year

Inspiring a Nation
Previous exhibition, 2010

The Australian of the Year Awards have often provoked controversy about who is selected and whether their achievements are remarkable.

The Burke and Wills Monument
The Burke and Wills Monument
The Burke and Wills Monument

The Burke and Wills Monument, 1869

Thomas Foster Chuck
Portrait, albumen paper photograph on carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2001

She – Unemployed Girl, 2003 by Yu Hong

Yu Hong

Featured Artists

Born 1966 in Beijing, China. Lives and works in Beijing.

Matthew Burnett
Matthew Burnett
Matthew Burnett

Matthew Burnett, c. 1865

Henry Samuel Sadd
Portrait, steel engraving on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2015

Lee Lin Chin

Icons

Parliament House
Touring exhibition, 2019

When a portrait communicates determination and individuality as boldly as these do, it has the potential to become an iconic image. For the Gallery’s 20th birthday this display brings together a group contemporary photographic portraits of inspiring women and men.

William Robertson and Martha Mary Robertson
William Robertson and Martha Mary Robertson
William Robertson and Martha Mary Robertson

William Robertson and Martha Mary Robertson, 1863

William Edward Kilburn
Portrait, carte de visite photograph on card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Malcolm Robertson in memory of William Thomas Robertson 2018. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Portrait of Ninette Dutton

In a glance

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2004

Dr Sarah Engledow explores the portrait of Ninette Dutton by Bette Mifsud.

Charles Summers

The importance of being bearded

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2012

Joanna Gilmour discovers that the beards of the ill-fated explorers Burke and Wills were as epic as their expedition to traverse Australia from south to north.

Charlie, 2017 by Lee Grant

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2018

Previous exhibition, 2018

The exhibition is selected from a national field of entries, reflecting the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Elle Macpherson

Australian Visit

Previous exhibition, 2006

The exhibition will include works of art from the NPG Canberra's permanent collection with some inward loans and aims to highlight the achievements of notable Australians.

Hugo at home (Hugo Weaving)

Nicholas Harding

28 Portraits
Previous exhibition, 2017

Nicholas Harding: 28 portraits features paintings of Robert Drewe, John Bell and Hugo Weaving alongside gorgeously coloured recent oil portraits, delicate gouaches and bold ink and charcoal drawings.

Men of High Degree: Kev Carmody (Bundjalung/Lama Lama Peoples)
Men of High Degree: Kev Carmody (Bundjalung/Lama Lama Peoples)
Men of High Degree: Kev Carmody (Bundjalung/Lama Lama Peoples)

Men of High Degree: Kev Carmody (Bundjalung/Lama Lama Peoples), 2023

Brenda L Croft, Prue Hazelgrove, Richard Crampton
Portrait, original wet plate collodion process tintype, digital scan to Ultrachrome pigment on paper

Purchased 2023

Self portrait with glove

To Look Within

Self Portraits in Australia
Previous exhibition, 2004

This exhibition is the first comprehensive survey of self-portraits in Australia, from the colonial period to the present

Sir Macfarlane Burnet

Picture this...

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2003

This edited version of a speech by Andrew Sayers examines some of the antecedents of the National Portrait Gallery and set out the ideas behind the modern Gallery and its collection.

Godfrey Miller

Form and reality

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2008

A photographic portrait by Kerry Dundas captures the contemplative mind of visionary painter Godfrey Miller.

Australia (The Hon. Alfred Deakin)

Vanity fair

Magazine article by Ashleigh Wadman, 2012

Ashleigh Wadman rediscovers the Australian characters represented with a kindly touch by the British portrait artist Leslie Ward for the society magazine Vanity Fair.

Steve Irwin

Crikey!

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2006

Robin Sellick captured a rare moment of quietude from the late conservation star Steve Irwin.

L. Gordon Darling AC CMG

L. Gordon Darling AC CMG

31 August 2015
Archived media releases 2015

The Chairman, Board, Director and all the Staff of the National Portrait Gallery mourn the loss of our Founding Patron, who died peacefully in Melbourne this morning. He was 94.

Trumble's way

About Face article

At the end of a summer break one is tempted to say that there is nothing much to report. Isn’t one restful holiday very much like another?

Margot Rhys, 1935 by Athol Shmith

Progressive pictures

Magazine article by Aimee Board, 2017

Athol Shmith’s photographs contributed to the emergence of a new vision of Australian womanhood.

Yog Raj Chitrakar: Memory Drawing V (Part II), 2010 Yog Raj Chitrakar: Memory drawing series
by Nikhil Chopra

Nikhil Chopra

by Rattanamol Johal
Artist essays

Nikhil Chopra was born in 1974, in Calcutta. His first degree was in commerce, but in 1997 he took up fine art studies, eventually gaining a Masters in Fine Art from Ohio State University, United States.

Video still from Dream Job, 2011 by David M Thomas

My dream job

Magazine article by David Thomas AM, 2012

Artist David M Thomas lists some of the ideas and influences behind his video portraits.

Thomas Woolner

The mystery of Enoch Arden

About Face article

Tennyson's Enoch Arden was inspired by a story that Thomas Woolner passed on to him – but whose story and of whom?

Mal Meninga

Mal Meninga, 2018

by Peter Hudson
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by Maliganis Edwards Johnson and Alan Dodge AM 2018

Opening of the First Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia by H.R.H. The Duke of Cornwall and York, May 9, 1901, 1903 by Tom Roberts

Empire records

Magazine article by Kylie Scroope, 2011

Celebrates the centenary of the first national art collection, the Historic Memorials Collection, housed at Australia's Parliament House.

The last of England 1855

Pre-Raphaelite Profile

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2006

In 2006 the National Portrait Gallery acquired a splendid portrait of Victoria's first governor, Lieutenant Governor Charles Joseph La Trobe by Thomas Woolner.

MacKenzie family silhouette

All there in black and white

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2007

The National Portrait Gallery acquired a beguiling silhouette group portrait by Samuel Metford, an English artist who spent periods of his working life in America.

Sydney city (Patrick White and Tom Uren, Hiroshima Day demonstration), 1984

The activist A-list

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2007

Dr Sarah Engledow examines a number of figures in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery who were pioneers or substantial supporters of the seminal Australian environmental campaigns of the early 1970s and 1980s.

Kaloti Parmjit, 2012 by Louise Whelan

Louise Whelan

Finalist interviews

I met Kaloti Parmjit the day I took the photo. I first visited the Sikh temple in the suburb of Glenwood to take photos as part of a social documentary project I'm undertaking for the State Library of NSW.

Sir Lindesay Clark

The Stories Beneath

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2005
The Alcoa World Alumina Australia gift.
Wylie
Wylie
Wylie

Wylie, 1840-1841

Robert Neill
Portrait, steel engraving with later hand-colouring on paper

Purchased 2018

Past, present, future, 2002 by Wang Qingsong
M+ Sigg Collection

Chinese Art

General content

A short overview of modern Chinese art from 1949 to the present.

Sappho, 1865

Mrs Cameron and the V&A

Magazine article by Magda Keaney, 2003

In March 2003 Magda Keaney travelled to London to join the photography section of the Victoria & Albert Museum for three months.

Portrait of Captain John Hunter

Goods and chattels

About Face article

I have been reading systematically through the ads in the earliest issues of the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, such a rich vein of information about certain aspects of daily life in Regency Sydney.

Frame from Self portrait, 2008

I walk the line

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2009

Bruce Petty's animated self portrait captures a life's journey compressed into a few minutes.

Self portrait, 1970

Painters' paradise

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2007

Andrew Sayers feels the warmth in the paintings Matthew Perceval made while the sun shone in southern France.

James Ford, 1979 by Robert Mapplethorpe

Apollo's breath

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2016

Christopher Chapman delights in the intimacy of Robert Mapplethorpe's photography

Grateful admiration and brotherly love

About Face article

In the earliest stages of the Great War, the Royal Pavilion in Brighton was turned into a military hospital, and arrangements made there to accommodate the different dietary and other requirements of Hindu, Sikh and Muslim patients.

Cooey: an Australian song

Cooey! An Australian Song

About Face article

"Coo-ey, Coo-ey, Coo-ey, Coo-ey—Love has caught the strain, Coo-ey, Coo-ey, Coo-ey, Coo-ey—it whispers back again." The “Australian lady” who composed these fruity lyrics was none other than Desda— Jane Davies, sometime Messiter (née Price) of Leddicott, Lavender Bay.

Francis Bacon on Primrose Hill, 1963

Shadows of light

Magazine article by Mark Haworth-Booth, 2002

Mark Haworth-Booth explains why Bill Brandt is one of the most important British photographers of the Twentieth Century.

Goollabal (Rainbow Serpent), 2018 by Shirley Purdie

Memories

General content

The second row of paintings recall stories relating to specific sites, experiences and activities.

Nambin (black headed python), 2018 by Shirley Purdie

Skin names

General content

The first row of paintings depict stories relating to kinship, introducing significant women relatives.

Last Light Ellis Hutch

Reflections

General content

All that fall: Sacrifice, life and loss in the First World War exhibition co-curators Dr Anne Sanders and Dr Christopher Chapman reflect on the evolution of the Gallery’s Anzac Centenary exhibition.

Murray frees himself from straightjacket in public, 1928 by Sam Hood

Risky business

Magazine article by John Zubrzycki, 2016

John Zubrzycki lauds the characters of the Australian escapology trade.

Professor Peter Doherty

Friends and Acquaintances

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2005

Dr. Sarah Engledow discusses a collection of drawings and prints by the Victorian artist Rick Amor acquired in 2005.

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.

Staffordshire bull terrier belonging to the Rev. John Gower, 1851

Essential portraiture

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2011

Michael Desmond in conversation with University of Houston professor of philosophy Cynthia Freeland.

Mary (or Diana) Croker, mat woman, Colchester, 1823 by John Dempsey

Unknown drawer

Magazine article by Dr David Hansen, 2017

Dempsey’s People curator David Hansen chronicles a research tale replete with serendipity, adventure and Tasmanian tigers.

Self-portrait, 1973 by Noel Counihan

Of jumpers and river gums, red

Magazine article by Diana O'Neil, 2016

Diana O’Neil on Noel Counihan’s vivid 1971 portrait of Alan Marshall.

Queen Alexandra and Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia, Hvidore, circa 1908 by Mary Steen

The cost of living luxuriously

About Face article

In 1904, the Dowager Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia purchased as a gift for her sister, Queen Alexandra, a fan composed of two-color gold, guilloché enamel, mother-of-pearl, blond tortoiseshell, gold sequins, silk, cabochon rubies, and rose diamonds from the House of Fabergé in Saint Petersburg.

Beach painting, 1966 by Michael Taylor

Living landscape

Magazine article by Gillian Raymond, 2016

Gillian Raymond ponders landscapes as self-portraiture in Michael Taylor’s intimate expressionism.

Portrait of a Man (Fred Williams), 1958

Head, hand, heart

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2007

An extensive selection of portraits by John Brack were on display at the National Portrait Gallery in late 2007.

Kinky Night. Impressions Club, 1987

Aussies all

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2006

The exhibition Aussies all features the ecclectic portrait photography of Rennie Ellis which captures Australian life during the 70s and 80s.

Christmas Island

About Face article

This is my last Trumbology before, in a little more than a week from now, I pass to my successor Karen Quinlan the precious baton of the Directorship of the National Portrait Gallery.

Sir Sidney Kidman

The fat of the land

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2009

Sir Sidney Kidman (1857-1935) is inscribed in Australian legend as the ‘Cattle King’. 

Mural of Italian/Roman actress Anna Magnani (1908­–1973) with face mask, April 2020 Unknown artist

Of plague and portraits

About Face article

Corinna Cullen on the symbolic power of pandemic-related imagery over the ages.

Miles from nowhere, 2008 (printed 2014) from the Games of consequence series 2008 Polixeni Papapetrou

Mother’s muse

Magazine article by Inga Walton, 2020

Inga Walton traces the poignant path of photographer Polixeni Papapetrou, revealed in the NGV’s summer retrospective.

Senator Bonner

Black tie or wombat: How formal should I go?

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2008

Michael Desmond discusses the portrait of Senator Neville Bonner by Robert Campbell Jnr.

George Reid paperweight

Some prime ministers

General content

Sarah Engledow explores the history of the prime ministers and artists featured in the exhibition.

Sandor Ferenczis 50th birthday dinner, Budapest, 1923

Less than six degrees of separation

Magazine article by Dr Anne Sanders, 2011

Anne Sanders finds connections in Inner Worlds between Hungarian expatriates and the development of psychoanalysis in Australia.

Chang the Chinese giant and party

The portrait writ large

Magazine article by Karen Vickery, 2015

Karen Vickery on Chang the Chinese giant in Australia.

Emily Kame Kngwarreye with Lily

Illuminating history

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2023

Joanna Gilmour reflects on 25 years of collecting at the National Portrait Gallery.

Self-Portrait, 1981 by Don Bachardy

Drawing inspiration

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2017

Christopher Chapman absorbs the gentle touch of Don Bachardy’s portraiture.

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force recruits, Maranatha Hall, Honiara by Sean Davey

The art of peace

Magazine article by Sven Knudsen, 2018

Sean Davey captures the portrait of a nation renewed.

Tony Bilson

Eating the seasons

Magazine article by Dr Anne Sanders, 2019

Anne Sanders imbibes Tony Bilson’s gastronomic revolution.

Director John Duigan and actor Judy Davis on the set of ‘Winter of our Dreams’, Sydney, 1981 by Robert McFarlane

Natural born stiller

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2016

Penelope Grist speaks to Robert McFarlane about shooting for the stars.

Ned Kelly death mask

Getting a head

Magazine article by Alexandra Roginski, 2015

Alexandra Roginski gets a feel for phrenology’s fundamentals.

Geoffrey Graham

The mind's eye

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2017

Christopher Chapman takes a trip through the doors of perception, arriving at the junction of surrealism and psychoanalysis.

Madame Sibly, Phrenologist and Mesmerist

Sibly irresistible

Magazine article by Alexandra Roginski, 2019

Alexandra Roginski reveals a forceful feminist figure in the colonial period’s slippery science, phrenology.

Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose, 1885-86 by 
John Singer Sargent

A feast of friends

Magazine article by Richard Ormond, 2015

John Singer Sargent: a painter at the vanguard of contemporary movements in music, literature and theatre.

Billy Hughes paperweight

Mugshots

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2006

A toast to the acquisition of an unconventional new portrait of former Prime Minister, Stanley Melbourne Bruce.

Self portrait

Rick Amor: 21 Portraits

General content

Sarah Engledow chronicles Rick Amor's work and accomplishments in this extensive essay in conjunction with the exhibition Rick Amor: 21 Portraits.

Patrick White at Centennial Park, 1979–1980

Listomania

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2013

Sarah Engledow describes the fall-out once Brett Whiteley stuck Patrick White’s list of his loves and hates onto his great portrait of the writer.

Self portrait, 1954

A sketch for some portraits

Magazine article by Judith Pugh, 2005

Judith Pugh reflects on Clifton Pugh's approach to portrait making.

Portrait of Captain James Cook RN

Thrown together

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2009

Shipmates for years, James Cook and Joseph Banks each kept a journal but neither man shed light on their relationship.

Studio portrait of Lord Kitchener, British Secretary of State for War, 1914 by J Russell & Sons

All the way with K of K

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2016

Sarah Engledow bristles at the biographers’ neglect of Kitchener’s antipodean intervention.

Helen Blaxland judging flower arrangements, c. 1940s photographer unknown

Petal to the mettle

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2019

Sarah Engledow lauds the very civil service of Dame Helen Blaxland.

Forest Creek, Mount Alexander Diggings, 1852 by S. T. Gill

The Rothschilds, the Montefiores, and the Victorian Gold Rush

About Face article

Some years ago my colleague Andrea Wolk Rager and I spent several days in the darkened basement of a Rothschild Bank, inspecting every one of the nearly 700 autochromes created immediately before World War I by the youthful Lionel de Rothschild.

The Art Lovers - Megan, 2013 by Gary Grealy

Everybody, look serious

NPPP 2014 exhibition essay
General content

Dr Sarah Engledow, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2014 Prize.

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.

Dr Reg Hook

Inner Worlds and psychoanalysis

Lecture, 4 June 2011
General content

Inner Worlds evokes a broad view of psychology as a discipline. However, the specific interests of the practitioners whose portraits are included in the exhibition incorporate specialist areas including psychoanalysis.

Dr Christopher Chapman

The art of Inner Worlds

Lecture, 7 May 2011
General content

Dr Christopher Chapman NPG Curator of Inner Worlds explains the development of an exhibition that spans from Surrealism to contemporary art.

Dr Anne Sanders

Less than six degrees of separation

Lecture, 28 May 2011
General content

Dr Anne Sanders NPG Curatorial Researcher investigated the lives of the pioneering psychologists whose portraits are featured in Inner Worlds.

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.

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