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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.

Bruce Petty
Bruce Petty
Bruce Petty

Bruce Petty, 2008

Bruce Petty
Portrait, single channel digital animation, colour, sound, 2 minutes, 19 seconds

Commissioned 2008

Dr Joseph Brown with Two Typists

Unboxed

Magazine article by Sandra Bruce, 2022

Sandra Bruce explores a new acquisition that has within it a story of interconnectivities in the Australian art world.

Wesley Enoch and David McAllister

Splendid, many-splendoured

Magazine article by Sandra Bruce, 2021

Sandra Bruce gazes on love and the portrait through Australian Love Stories’ multi-faceted prism.

KAHA, 2022 Bruce Agnew

KAHA

Bruce Agnew
Image
Bruce Pascoe, 2008 by Kim Batterham

Bruce Pascoe, 2008

by Kim Batterham
Image
Bruce Beresford at home in Birchgrove, 2018 Zoe Young

Bruce Beresford at home in Birchgrove, 2018

Zoe Young
Image
Bruce Tyrrell
Bruce Tyrrell
Bruce Tyrrell

Bruce Tyrrell, 1986 (printed 2018)

Gary Ede
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Wayne Williams 2018

Max Walker
Max Walker
Max Walker

Max Walker, 1976 (printed 2010)

Bruce Postle
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by James Bain AM and Janette Bain 2010

Bruce Pascoe, 2012 by Ivan Gaal

Bruce Pascoe, 2012

by Ivan Gaal
Image
Bruce Spence
Bruce Spence
Bruce Spence

Bruce Spence, n.d.

Stuart Campbell
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of the Estate of Stuart Campbell 2012

Bruce Ruxton
Bruce Ruxton
Bruce Ruxton

Bruce Ruxton, 1995

Paul Fitzgerald AM
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Bruno Grollo 1999

Bruce Beresford
Bruce Beresford
Bruce Beresford

Bruce Beresford, 1962 (printed 2006)

Jozef Vissel
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2006

Bruce Beresford on location
Bruce Beresford on location
Bruce Beresford on location

Bruce Beresford on location, c. 1981 (printed 2004)

Robert McFarlane
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2003

Bruce Goold
Bruce Goold
Bruce Goold

Bruce Goold, 1998

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

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

Bruce Armstrong
Bruce Armstrong
Bruce Armstrong

Bruce Armstrong, 2001

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

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

Bruce Dawe, Melbourne
Bruce Dawe, Melbourne
Bruce Dawe, Melbourne

Bruce Dawe, Melbourne, 1969 (printed 2000)

David Moore
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
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

Bruce Pollard 2, 1979
Bruce Pollard 2, 1979
Bruce Pollard 2, 1979

Bruce Pollard 2, 1979, 1979 (printed 2012)

Robert Rooney
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

Farmer, fisher, scholar and scribe, 2019 Andrew Baker

Farmer, fisher, scholar and scribe, 2019

Andrew Baker
Image
Peter Carey in Kelly country
Peter Carey in Kelly country
Peter Carey in Kelly country

Peter Carey in Kelly country, 2000

Bruce Armstrong
Portrait, synthetic polymer paint on board

Purchased with funds provided by the Basil Bressler Bequest 2001

Dennis Lillee
Dennis Lillee
Dennis Lillee

Dennis Lillee, 1977 (printed 2010)

Bruce Postle
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by James Bain AM and Janette Bain 2010

Tommy Woodcock and Reckless
Tommy Woodcock and Reckless
Tommy Woodcock and Reckless

Tommy Woodcock and Reckless, 1977 (printed 2010)

Bruce Postle
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by James Bain AM and Janette Bain 2010

Heath Ledger, Prague
Heath Ledger, Prague
Heath Ledger, Prague

Heath Ledger, Prague, 2000 (printed 2009)

Bruce Weber
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased with the assistance of Alan Dodge AM 2009

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.

Greg Chappell
Greg Chappell
Greg Chappell

Greg Chappell, 1985 (printed 2010)

Bruce Postle
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by James Bain AM and Janette Bain 2010

Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown (detail), 2006 (printed 2020) © Peter Brew-Bevan

Australian Love stories

Family, friends, fanatics and foes (and everything in between!)
Previous exhibition, 2021

Reconnect and reflect with our new major exhibition, Australian Love Stories (in real life!) as we explore love, affection and connection in all its guises.

Orlando and Wilson, 2021 Chris Budgeon

People are people

Magazine article by Sandra Bruce, 2022

Sandra Bruce chats with seven-time NPPP finalist Chris Budgeon about photography, guitars and representing the human story.

Stanley Bruce
Stanley Bruce
Stanley Bruce

Stanley Bruce, 1937

Barbara Tribe
Portrait, cast bronze

Gift of the artist 2000

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.

Portrait jug of Stanley Melbourne Bruce
Portrait jug of Stanley Melbourne Bruce
Portrait jug of Stanley Melbourne Bruce

Portrait jug of Stanley Melbourne Bruce, 1925-1928

Ashtead Potters Limited, Surrey, UK, Percy Metcalfe
Portrait, glazed ceramic

Purchased 2006

The Seekers reunite 50 years on
The Seekers reunite 50 years on
The Seekers reunite 50 years on

The Seekers reunite 50 years on, 2011

Helen Edwards
Portrait, synthetic polymer on linen

Gift of Judith Durham, Athol Guy, Keith Potger and Bruce Woodley 2012. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

The Seekers
The Seekers
The Seekers

The Seekers, 1993

Rennie Ellis
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2005

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.

Graham Kennedy and the Seekers in Melbourne
Graham Kennedy and the Seekers in Melbourne
Graham Kennedy and the Seekers in Melbourne

Graham Kennedy and the Seekers in Melbourne, c. 1968

Robert Whitaker
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2007

Norman Gunston and Denise Drysdale
Norman Gunston and Denise Drysdale
Norman Gunston and Denise Drysdale

Norman Gunston and Denise Drysdale, 1976 (printed 2010)

Bruce Postle
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by James Bain AM and Janette Bain 2010

Burnum Burnum
Burnum Burnum
Burnum Burnum

Burnum Burnum, 1987 (printed 2010)

Bruce Postle
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased with funds provided by James Bain AM and Janette Bain 2010

Bruce Gyngell
Bruce Gyngell
Bruce Gyngell

Bruce Gyngell, 1999 (printed 2022)

Polly Borland
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2022

Black Dog, 2018 by Jamila Toderas

Black Dog, 2018

by Jamila Toderas
Image
Bruce Agnew video: 3 minutes 35

People's Choice Award NPPP 2023

General content

The People's Choice Award for 2023 went to KAHA, 2022 by Bruce Agnew.

Portrait 30

December 2008 - February 2009
Magazine

This issue of Portrait Magazine features the inaugural hang of the new National Portrait Gallery, Cadel Evans, Stuart O'Grady, Robbie McEwen, Casey Stoner, Bruce Petty and more.

Twelve portraits of finalists for the Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023

Little Darlings Youth Portrait Prize 2023

Previous exhibition, 2023

Little Darlings is for primary and secondary students, with four separate categories across Kindergarten to Year 12. Responding to the theme ‘identity’, students painted, drew, photographed, printed or combined all of these to make their portrait.

Michael Hutchence by Harry Borden

Portrait story

An interview with photographer Harry Borden about his portrait of Michael Hutchence.

Anne Lambert, actor by Stuart Campbell

Between Light and Shadow

Portraits by Stuart Campbell
Previous exhibition, 2011

The late Australian photographer Stuart Campbell produced superb photographs of Australian actors of stage and screen.

Living Memory panel discussion

Panel discussion

First broadcast on Saturday 31 July
General content

A dynamic panel discussion that interrogates some of the themes revealed in Living Memory.

Tommy Woodcock and Reckless

Australian racing legends and best friends

Devotion

The mane thing is trust

Kristina
Kristina
Kristina

Kristina, 1984 (printed 2013)

Michael Riley
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2013

Kristina
Kristina
Kristina

Kristina, 1986 (printed 2013)

Michael Riley
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2013

Chris Wallace-Crabbe
Chris Wallace-Crabbe
Chris Wallace-Crabbe

Chris Wallace-Crabbe, 2011

Kristin Headlam
Portrait, oil on linen

Purchased with the assistance of funds provided by the Circle of Friends 2014

Tim Burstall, Andamooka (filming of the Last of the Knucklemen)
Tim Burstall, Andamooka (filming of the Last of the Knucklemen)
Tim Burstall, Andamooka (filming of the Last of the Knucklemen)

Tim Burstall, Andamooka (filming of the Last of the Knucklemen), c. 1979

Rennie Ellis
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2006

Sir John Eccles
Sir John Eccles
Sir John Eccles

Sir John Eccles, 1959

Pam MacFarlane
Portrait, pastel on paper

Gift of an anonymous donor 2007

The Seekers reunite 50 years on

The Seekers

In their own words
In their own words

Recorded 2013

Megan Gale

Glamour vs grunge

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2010

Christopher Chapman examines the battle of glamour vs. grunge which played out in the fashion and advertising of the 1990s.

Susie Porter
Susie Porter
Susie Porter

Susie Porter, 2000 (printed 2001)

Peter Brew-Bevan
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2001

Yellow portrait (portrait of Alex Jelinek)
Yellow portrait (portrait of Alex Jelinek)
Yellow portrait (portrait of Alex Jelinek)

Yellow portrait (portrait of Alex Jelinek), 1955

Lina Bryans
Portrait, oil on plywood

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Paul and James Bryans 2015. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Portait 65

Portrait 65

Autumn/Winter 2021
Magazine

Hugh Ramsay, the fashion of Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson, Peter Wegner's centenarian series, John and Elizabeth Gould's family connections, Karen Quinlan's top five portraits and more.

Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, c. 1985

Bert Flugelman
Portrait, stainless steel

Gift of the artist 2009. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Portrait 66

Portrait 66

Summer 2021/22
Magazine

The Huxleys, National Portrait Gallery London’s masterpieces, Jennifer Higgie on portraits of women by women, Tamara Dean, Bangarra, Glynis Jones on fashion photographers, and NPG/NGV collaboration.

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu

Dr G Yunupingu

Magazine article, 2017

Dr G Yunupingu (1970-2017), a man of the Gumatj clan of north-east Arnhem Land, learned to play guitar, keyboard, drums and didgeridoo as a child.

image not online

Icons Syndicate

Lists alphabetically
Honour board
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

Portrait 67

Portrait 67

Winter 2022
Magazine

William Yang on his autobiographical self portraits, David Parker's 1970s and 80s Melbourne music photographs, seven-time NPPP finalist Chris Budgeon, and Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis.

Alan Bond
Alan Bond
Alan Bond

Alan Bond, 1985

Rennie Ellis
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2006

image not online

Supporters

$5,000 - $9,999
Honour board
Rex at Maroubra, 2011

Observation point

Magazine article by Nicholas Harding, 2013

Nicholas Harding describes his enduring fascination with drawing and painting people.

Prince William of Wales, by Mario Testino, 2003 publ. September 2003.
Credit: Mario Testino

Vanity Fair Portraits

Photographs 1913-2008
Previous exhibition, 2009

Vanity Fair Portraits traces the birth and evolution of photographic portraiture through the archives of Vanity Fair magazine.

Jessie Street

Australia’s great internationalists

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2016

Penelope Grist explores the United Nations stories in the Gallery’s collection.

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.

Carol McGregor

Contributing artists

Born: 1961, Hastings, New Zealand
Works: Brisbane

Cormac and Callum, 2008 by Ingvar Kenne

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009

Previous exhibition, 2009

In its second year at the National Portrait Gallery, and for the first time touring to other venues, the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2009 continues to present surprising perspectives on the nature of contemporary portrait photography.

Michael Kimmelman

Magazine article by Pamela Gray, 2002

Michael Kimmelman, Chief Art Critic of The New York Times and author of Portraits: Talking with Artists at the Met, the Modern, the Louvre and Elsewhere, presented the National Portrait Gallery Third Anniversary Lecture on 2 March 2002. He was generously brought to Australia by the Gordon Darling Foundation and Qantas.

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.

Ruby (left view), 2022 Shea Kirk

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2023

Previous exhibition, 2023

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.

The mahi-mahi, 2019 Rob Palmer

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2020

Previous exhibition, 2020

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.

Cate Blanchett

Australians in Hollywood

Previous exhibition, 2003

Although perceived to be a recent phenomenon, the 'Aussie invasion' of Hollywood can actually be traced as far back as the early 1900s

Margaret Whitlam

Open Air

Portraits in the Landscape
Previous exhibition, 2008

Open Air is an exhibition of portraits of Australians in environments of particular significance to them.

Portrait of Professors Margaret Gardner and Glyn Davis
Portrait of Professors Margaret Gardner and Glyn Davis
Portrait of Professors Margaret Gardner and Glyn Davis

Portrait of Professors Margaret Gardner and Glyn Davis, 2017

Jacqueline Mitelman
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Commissioned with funds provided by Jim and Barbara Higgins, Sir Roderick Carnegie AC, Rupert Myer AO and Annabel Myer, Louise and Martyn Myer Foundation, Peter and Ruth McMullin, Diana Carlton, Professor Derek Denton AC, Harold Mitchell AC, Peter Jopling AM KC, Andrew and Liz Mackenzie, Patricia Patten, Tamie Fraser AO, Bruce Parncutt and Robin Campbell, Lauraine Diggins, Steven Skala AO and Lousje Skala 2017

Silent Strength, 2021 Wayne Quilliam

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022

Previous exhibition, 2022

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.

Sir Les Patterson
Sir Les Patterson
Sir Les Patterson

Sir Les Patterson, 1999

Polly Borland
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2001

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.

Johnny O'Keefe

Making Portraits

Five Years of National Portrait Gallery Commissions
Previous exhibition, 2004

The considered matching of artist to subject has produced an amazing collection of unique and original works in the permanent collection of the National Portrait Gallery

Portrait of a lady (Sonia McMahon)

Desperately seeking Sonia

Magazine article by Angus Trumble, 2015

Esther Erlich’s portrait of Lady McMahon.

Portrait23: Identity logo

Announcing... Portrait23: Identity

15 November 2022
Media

In this major new exhibition marking the National Portrait Gallery’s third decade, 23 Australian artists and collectives have been invited to create portraits without constraints or boundaries.

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.

Mrs NR Mackintosh (Anne) by Ruth Hollick

Natural, artistic and unselfconscious

Magazine article by Angus Trumble, 2016

Angus Trumble gazes at the once bright star of photographer Ruth Hollick.

June Dally-Watkins

2023 Annual Appeal

Annual Appeal

In 2023 the Annual Appeal was focussed on a work by one of Australia's best loved and most successful portrait painters, Judy Cassab AO CBE, depicting model, entrepreneur and deportment icon, June Dally-Watkins OAM.

Sammy Dodd

2022 Annual Appeal

Annual Appeal

In 2022 the Annual Appeal was focussed on Mayatjara by Robert Fielding, a series of 24 photographs of Elders of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara community.

Ruby (left view), 2022 Shea Kirk

The 2023 National Photographic Portrait Prize

16 June 2023
Media

Shea Kirk’s portrait of friend and fellow-artist Emma Armstrong-Porter has won the 2023 National Photographic Portrait Prize.

Portrait bust of Dr Christine Rivett

In the round

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2009

Andrew Sayers outlines the highlights of the National Portrait Gallery's display of portrait sculpture.

Ma Khin Mar Mar Kyi

My Favourite Australian

Magazine article by Christine Clark, 2009

The Australian public was invited in 2008 to vote for their favourite Australian.  After the votes were tallied an exhibition of the top-ten Popular Australians and the top-twenty unsung heroes was displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.

Yellow portrait (portrait of Alex Jelinek)

Fugue in Yellow

Magazine article by Roger Benjamin, 2015

Roger Benjamin explores the intriguing union of Lina Bryans and Alex Jelinek.

image not online

Annual Appeal

Listed by year
Honour board
Les Murray

Poets' Portraits

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2005

The Portrait Gallery's paintings of two poets, Les Murray and Peter Porter, demonstrate two very different artists' responses to the challenge of representing more than usually sensitive and imaginative men.

Mirka - 9 Collins Street

Wicked but Virtuous

About Face article

Faith Stellmaker shares pioneering artist and restaurateur Mirka Mora’s lasting legacy on Melbourne’s art, dining and culture.

Vanity Fair, April, 2004

International issue

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2009

Michael Desmond looks at the history of the Vanity Fair magazine in conjunction with the exhibition Vanity Fair Portraits: Photographs 1913-2008

The Rays, 1970 
Raindance Corporation, Frank Gillette, Michael Shamberg, Paul Ryan

Post digital

Magazine article by Tegan Mcauley, 2015

Tegan McAuley looks at the evolution of video portraiture.

Writing on the Wall, 2019 Dr Christian Thompson AO

To arrive at hope

NPPP 2020 exhibition essay
General content

Penelope Grist, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2020 Prize.

Mick Jagger, Madonna and Tony Curtis, 1997

The Vanity model

Magazine article by David Friend, 2009

Vanity Fair Editor David Friend describes how the rebirth of the magazine sated our desire for access into the lives of celebrities and set the standard for the new era of portrait photography.

Vincent Brady leading anti Bicentenary Protest, Brisbane, 1987 Michael Aird

Activating the space

Magazine article by Sandra Phillips, 2020

Sandra Phillips on portraits of Indigenous activism from Cairns Art Gallery’s 2019 Queen’s Land Blak Portraiture exhibition.

 

Automatic for the people: Casey Stoner

Speed demon

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Scott Redford discusses his dynamic portrait commission of motorcycling champion and 2008 Young Australian of the Year Casey Stoner.

General Birdwood, the Idol of Anzac, taking a dip in the sea after a hard days work 1915

In the thick of it

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2010

Projecting the splendour of the empire, and the resolve of its subjects, the bust of William Birdwood keeps a stiff upper lip in the National Portrait Gallery.

Nicole Kidman

Australians in Hollywood

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2003

The exhibition Australians in Hollywood celebrated the achievements of Australians in the highly competitive American film industry.

George Reid paperweight

Some prime ministers

General content

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

image not online

Portrait Donors

Listed by year
Honour board
Helen Borthwick née Pearson

The personal and the historical

About Face article

Where do we draw a line between the personal and the historical? Although she died in Melbourne in 1975, when I was not quite eleven years old, I have the vividest memories of my maternal grandmother Helen Borthwick.

Studio portrait of servicewoman Lance Corporal Kathleen Jean Mary (Kath) Walker, c.1942

Past present

Magazine article by Krysia Kitch, 2016

Krysia Kitch celebrates Oodgeroo Noonuccal.

NPPP finalists

20 20

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2017

Sarah Engledow picks some favourites from a decade of the National Photographic Portrait Prize.

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.

Dulcie Deamer, c. 1920

Out of the shadows

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2013

Joanna Gilmour profiles the life and times of the shutter sisters May and Mina Moore.

Lucy Culliton, 2016 by Mark Mohell

Lucy Culliton

Explore The Popular Pet Show

Most well-regarded pictures of chickens show them dead. A reliable way to tell if a chicken in a painting is dead is to check if it’s hanging upside down, because unlike, say, cockatoos, chickens don’t practise inversion for enjoyment in life.

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.

20/20 launch speech

About Face article

Dr Helen Nugent AO, Chairman, National Portrait Gallery at the opening of 20/20: Celebrating twenty years with twenty new portrait commissions.

Henry Lawson

Regarding Henrys

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2015

Sarah Engledow ponders the divergent legacies of Messrs Kendall and Lawson.

Dame Mary Gilmore

Painting writing

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2007

Dr Sarah Engledow explores the portraits of writers held in the National Portrait Gallery's collection.

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.

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.

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.

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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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.

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