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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.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Captain Charles Ulm
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Captain Charles Ulm
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Captain Charles Ulm

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Captain Charles Ulm, 1961

Sir William Dargie CBE
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of the Sydney Airports Corporation 2001

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.

Jack Charles

Jack Charles

In their own words
In their own words

Recorded 2022

Sir Charles Mackerras

Charles Mackerras

In their own words
In their own words

Recorded 1971

image not online

Charles Blackman

In their own words
In their own words

Recorded 1965

Jarrah, 2019 Charles Tambiah

Jarrah, 2019

Charles Tambiah
Image
Harriet, blind, 2010 by Charles McKean

Harriet, blind, 2010

by Charles McKean
Image
The chase
The chase
The chase

The chase, 1952

Charles Blackman OBE
Portrait, tempera on masonite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Rob and Paula McLean 2011
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Radclyffe Hall, 1918 Charles Buchel

Radclyffe Hall

Charles Buchel
Image
Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, c. 1849

Charles Rodius
Portrait, pastel with ink wash on paper

Purchased 2009

Jack Charles
Jack Charles
Jack Charles

Jack Charles, 2011

Rod McNicol
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2013

Sir Charles Nicholson
Sir Charles Nicholson
Sir Charles Nicholson

Sir Charles Nicholson, 1898

Elliott and Fry
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Stephen Scheding and Jim Berry 2015

Charles Kean
Charles Kean
Charles Kean

Charles Kean, c. 1865

H N. King
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

Rod McNicol and Jack Charles

Rod McNicol and Jack Charles

'We're village elders on Smith Street'
Portrait story

Rod and Jack on the series of portraits they created together.

Trukanini
Trukanini
Trukanini

Trukanini, 1866 (printed 1890s)

Charles Woolley
Portrait, glass plate negative

Purchased 2011

Captain Ulm
Captain Ulm
Captain Ulm

Captain Ulm, 1932

Enid Fleming
Portrait, cast plaster, patinated

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Sydney Airports Corporation 2001

Charles Teo

Charlie's angles

Magazine article by Stephen Phillips, 2017

Stephen Phillips talks to neurosurgeon Charlie Teo about his practice, perspectives and the anatomy of hope.

Mary Seacole, 1869 Albert Charles Challen

Mary Seacole

Albert Charles Challen
Image
Bungaree, Chief of the Broken Bay Tribe, N S Wales
Bungaree, Chief of the Broken Bay Tribe, N S Wales
Bungaree, Chief of the Broken Bay Tribe, N S Wales

Bungaree, Chief of the Broken Bay Tribe, N S Wales, c. 1830

Charles Rodius
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Purchased 2018

The Family

by Charles Blackman
Portrait story

Meredith McKinney, subject of Charles Blackman's 'The Family', recounts memories from her childhood and the creation of the portrait.

Charles John Fairfax
Charles John Fairfax
Charles John Fairfax

Charles John Fairfax, c. 1860

Edwin Dalton
Portrait, pastel on paper laid on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of John Fairfax Holdings Ltd 2002
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Sir Charles Mackerras
Sir Charles Mackerras
Sir Charles Mackerras

Sir Charles Mackerras, 1983

Arthur Fleischmann
Portrait, cast bronze on mosaic tile panel

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Sir Charles Mackerras 2009

Charles Windeyer
Charles Windeyer
Charles Windeyer

Charles Windeyer, 1830s

an unknown artist
Portrait, watercolour on paper

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

Sir Charles Moses
Sir Charles Moses
Sir Charles Moses

Sir Charles Moses, 1968

Mark Strizic
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased with funds provided by the Basil Bressler Bequest 2003

Charles Blondin
Charles Blondin
Charles Blondin

Charles Blondin, 1874

Timothy Noble
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2018

Sir Charles Nicholson
Sir Charles Nicholson
Sir Charles Nicholson

Sir Charles Nicholson, 1854

Thomas Woolner
Portrait, cast bronze relief medallion

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased through the Foundation Acquisitions Fund 2015

Portrait of Charles Blackman
Portrait of Charles Blackman
Portrait of Charles Blackman

Portrait of Charles Blackman, 1979

Judy Cassab AO CBE
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Warwick Evans 2021. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Charles Perkins
Charles Perkins
Charles Perkins

Charles Perkins, 1974

Frank Hinder
Portrait, fibre-tipped pen, watercolour on paper

Gift of HOTA (Home of the Arts), Gold Coast 2019 with the encouragement of Patrick Corrigan AM

Charles Perkins on bus to Tranby Aboriginal College, Glebe
Charles Perkins on bus to Tranby Aboriginal College, Glebe
Charles Perkins on bus to Tranby Aboriginal College, Glebe

Charles Perkins on bus to Tranby Aboriginal College, Glebe, c. 1964 (printed 2015)

Robert McFarlane
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 1999

Charles Perkins on bus to Tranby Aboriginal College, Glebe
Charles Perkins on bus to Tranby Aboriginal College, Glebe
Charles Perkins on bus to Tranby Aboriginal College, Glebe

Charles Perkins on bus to Tranby Aboriginal College, Glebe, c. 1964 (printed 2003)

Robert McFarlane
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Patrick Corrigan AM 2013. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Charles Perry
Charles Perry
Charles Perry

Charles Perry, c. 1863

Batchelder & O'Neill
Portrait, albumen photograph on carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

Charles Wheeler
Charles Wheeler
Charles Wheeler

Charles Wheeler, 1961

Louis Kahan AO
Portrait, pen and ink on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Mrs Lily Kahan 2006
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Charles Windeyer
Charles Windeyer
Charles Windeyer

Charles Windeyer, c. 1846-1849

George B. Goodman
Portrait, daguerreotype

Gift of the Windeyer family 2009

Charles Perry
Charles Perry
Charles Perry

Charles Perry, c. 1863

Batchelder & O'Neill
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

image not online

Charles Blackman, 2008

Sahlan Hayes
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2010

Charles Blackman
Charles Blackman
Charles Blackman

Charles Blackman, 1992

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

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

Colonel Charles E. Merrett
Colonel Charles E. Merrett
Colonel Charles E. Merrett

Colonel Charles E. Merrett, 1925

A S. Peterson
Portrait, pen and ink on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

Sir Ernest Thomas Fisk
Sir Ernest Thomas Fisk
Sir Ernest Thomas Fisk

Sir Ernest Thomas Fisk, 1943-1944

Charles Wheeler
Portrait, coloured chalk and black ink on artist board

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2019

John Fairfax
John Fairfax
John Fairfax

John Fairfax, 1873

Charles Summers
Portrait, carrara marble

Gift of John Fairfax Holdings Ltd 2002. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

The family
The family
The family

The family, c. 1955

Charles Blackman OBE
Portrait, oil on board

Gift of Barbara Blackman 2000. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

image not online

Albert Namatjira, c. 1954-1958 (printed 2017)

Charles Chauvel
Portrait, inkjet print from a scanned colour transparency on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2017

Portrait of Georges Mora
Portrait of Georges Mora
Portrait of Georges Mora

Portrait of Georges Mora, 1956

Charles Blackman OBE
Portrait, oil on paper laid on board

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2011

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (future Queen Elizabeth II)
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (future Queen Elizabeth II)
Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (future Queen Elizabeth II)

Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (future Queen Elizabeth II), 1942-1943

Charles Wheeler
Portrait, coloured chalk on artist board

Purchased 2019

Melbourne University with portraits of six Melbourne Anglican clergymen: Bishop Perry, Revd Clarke, Revd Waugh, Revd Henderson, Revd Dr Cairns, Revd Bailey
Melbourne University with portraits of six Melbourne Anglican clergymen: Bishop Perry, Revd Clarke, Revd Waugh, Revd Henderson, Revd Dr Cairns, Revd Bailey
Melbourne University with portraits of six Melbourne Anglican clergymen: Bishop Perry, Revd Clarke, Revd Waugh, Revd Henderson, Revd Dr Cairns, Revd Bailey

Melbourne University with portraits of six Melbourne Anglican clergymen: Bishop Perry, Revd Clarke, Revd Waugh, Revd Henderson, Revd Dr Cairns, Revd Bailey, c. 1871

Paterson Brothers
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Purchased 2010

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

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

Kumantjayi Perkins at the Roma Forum, Brisbane
Kumantjayi Perkins at the Roma Forum, Brisbane
Kumantjayi Perkins at the Roma Forum, Brisbane

Kumantjayi Perkins at the Roma Forum, Brisbane, 1982

Juno Gemes
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

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

Adut Akech, 2018 Charles Dennington

Peripheral vision

Magazine article by Aimee Board, 2020

Aimee Board chats to emerging photographer Charles Dennington.

William Lanne
William Lanne
William Lanne

William Lanne, 1866 (printed 1890s)

Charles Woolley
Portrait, glass plate negative

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2011

Acacius (Stigmata) - Tony Carden
Acacius (Stigmata) - Tony Carden
Acacius (Stigmata) - Tony Carden

Acacius (Stigmata) - Tony Carden, 1991

AñA Wojak
Portrait, oil and gold leaf on cedar panel

Gift of Lesley Saddington 2015

Bud Tingwell
Bud Tingwell
Bud Tingwell

Bud Tingwell, 2005

John Tsiavis
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2011

C.J. Cerutty
C.J. Cerutty
C.J. Cerutty

C.J. Cerutty, 1926

Tom Glover
Portrait, pen and ink on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

Rod McNicol

'Life and Times'
Portrait story

Echoing 19th-century photography, Rod McNicol's portraits give us a chance to look quietly at the human condition.

Cooneana (Patty)
Cooneana (Patty)
Cooneana (Patty)

Cooneana (Patty), 1866 (printed c. 1891)

Charles Woolley, J.W. Beattie
Portrait, albumen silver photograph

Purchased 2011

Celine Céleste
Celine Céleste
Celine Céleste

Celine Céleste, c. 1860

Charles Clarkington
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

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

Trukanini
Trukanini
Trukanini

Trukanini, n.d.

J.W. Beattie after Charles Woolley
Portrait, albumen silver photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by Allanah Dopson and Nicholas Heyward 2009

Charles Lloyd Jones
Charles Lloyd Jones
Charles Lloyd Jones

Charles Lloyd Jones, n.d.

Louis Kahan AO
Portrait, pen and ink on paper

Gift of Mrs Lily Kahan 2017. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Charles Joseph La Trobe
Charles Joseph La Trobe
Charles Joseph La Trobe

Charles Joseph La Trobe, 1853

Thomas Woolner
Portrait, cast bronze relief medallion

Purchased 2006

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, 1932

Enid Fleming
Portrait, cast plaster, patinated

Gift of the Sydney Airports Corporation 2001

Charles Teo
Charles Teo
Charles Teo

Charles Teo, 2012

Adam Chang (Hong Jun Zhang)
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Eleonora Triguboff 2013

Charles Haddon Chambers
Charles Haddon Chambers
Charles Haddon Chambers

Charles Haddon Chambers, 1921

Ralph Barton
Portrait, ink and watercolour on cardboard

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

Sir Charles Lloyd Jones
Sir Charles Lloyd Jones
Sir Charles Lloyd Jones

Sir Charles Lloyd Jones, 1951

Sir William Dobell OBE
Portrait, oil on composition board

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

A Popular Preacher.
A Popular Preacher.
A Popular Preacher.

A Popular Preacher. "Charity Covereth a Multitude of Sins" [Charles Clark], 1873

Tom Durkin, The Weekly Times
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2018

Adut Akech
Adut Akech
Adut Akech

Adut Akech, 2018 (printed 2020)

Charles Dennington
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Gift of the artist 2020

Adut Akech with brother Bior
Adut Akech with brother Bior
Adut Akech with brother Bior

Adut Akech with brother Bior, 2018 (printed 2020)

Charles Dennington
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Gift of the artist 2020

Adut Akech with siblings Kim, Yar, Bior and Alakiir
Adut Akech with siblings Kim, Yar, Bior and Alakiir
Adut Akech with siblings Kim, Yar, Bior and Alakiir

Adut Akech with siblings Kim, Yar, Bior and Alakiir, 2018 (printed 2020)

Charles Dennington
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Gift of the artist 2020

Adut Akech with baby sister Akoul
Adut Akech with baby sister Akoul
Adut Akech with baby sister Akoul

Adut Akech with baby sister Akoul, 2018 (printed 2020)

Charles Dennington
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Gift of the artist 2020

Sir Vincent Fairfax
Sir Vincent Fairfax
Sir Vincent Fairfax

Sir Vincent Fairfax, 1981

Bryan Westwood
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of John Fairfax Holdings Ltd 2002
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Henry Chamberlain Russell and family at Sydney Observatory
Henry Chamberlain Russell and family at Sydney Observatory
Henry Chamberlain Russell and family at Sydney Observatory

Henry Chamberlain Russell and family at Sydney Observatory, c. 1895

Charles Bayliss
Portrait, albumen silver photograph

Gift of Joanna Russell Maher (née Windeyer) 2018

H.R.H. The Prince of Wales
H.R.H. The Prince of Wales
H.R.H. The Prince of Wales

H.R.H. The Prince of Wales, c. 1863

John & Charles Watkins
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite photograph on card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2020

William Lyne
William Lyne
William Lyne

William Lyne, late 1860s

Charles Woolley
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2009

William Lanne
William Lanne
William Lanne

William Lanne, c. 1866

J.W. Beattie after Charles Woolley
Portrait, albumen silver photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by
Allanah Dopson & Nicholas Heyward 2009

Alexander MacLeay
Alexander MacLeay
Alexander MacLeay

Alexander MacLeay, c. 1845

Charles Fox after Sir Thomas Lawrence
Portrait, engraving on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2009

Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett
Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett
Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett

Dr. Arthur Martin a'Beckett, 1845

Charles Abraham
Portrait, cast plaster

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2014

Charles Warman Roberts
Charles Warman Roberts
Charles Warman Roberts

Charles Warman Roberts, 1878

George Baird Shaw
Portrait, watercolour on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Thoms family 2011

An Irish Patriot.
An Irish Patriot.
An Irish Patriot.

An Irish Patriot. "Why is Ireland Poor? I'm not!" [Sir Charles Gavan Duffy], 1874

Tom Durkin, The Weekly Times
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2018

Charles Kingsford Smith and crew of the Southern Cross before the east-west crossing of the Atlantic, June 1930
Charles Kingsford Smith and crew of the Southern Cross before the east-west crossing of the Atlantic, June 1930
Charles Kingsford Smith and crew of the Southern Cross before the east-west crossing of the Atlantic, June 1930

Charles Kingsford Smith and crew of the Southern Cross before the east-west crossing of the Atlantic, June 1930, 1930

International News Photos Inc
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2019

Lieutenant Colonel Kathleen A. L. Best
Lieutenant Colonel Kathleen A. L. Best
Lieutenant Colonel Kathleen A. L. Best

Lieutenant Colonel Kathleen A. L. Best, 1943-1944

Charles Wheeler
Portrait, coloured chalk on artist board

Purchased 2019

Dr Ludwig Leichhardt
Dr Ludwig Leichhardt
Dr Ludwig Leichhardt

Dr Ludwig Leichhardt, 1846

Charles Rodius
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Purchased 2004

Lord Casey
Lord Casey
Lord Casey

Lord Casey, c. 1932

Charles Wheeler
Portrait, conté, brush and ink on paper

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

The family

Big bouquet of Blackmans

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2013

Dr. Sarah Engledow explores the context surrounding Charles Blackman's portrait of Judith Wright, Jack McKinney and their daughter Meredith.

Self portrait

Fine and dandy

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2010

Whether the result of misadventure or misdemeanour, many accomplished artists were transported to Australia where they ultimately left a positive mark on the history of art in this country.

The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Melbourne
The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Melbourne
The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Melbourne

The Right Honourable Lord Viscount Melbourne, 1839

Charles Turner after Sir George Hayter
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2013

Charles Joseph La Trobe
Charles Joseph La Trobe
Charles Joseph La Trobe

Charles Joseph La Trobe, c. 1857

Samuel Bellin after Francis Grant
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Purchased 2010

Charles Summers
Charles Summers
Charles Summers

Charles Summers, late 1860s

Batchelder & Company Photo
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite

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

Sir Roland Hibbert Cross
Sir Roland Hibbert Cross
Sir Roland Hibbert Cross

Sir Roland Hibbert Cross, 1943-1944

Charles Wheeler
Portrait, coloured chalk on artist board

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2019

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.

Reverend Daniel Draper
Reverend Daniel Draper
Reverend Daniel Draper

Reverend Daniel Draper, c. 1866

Fredrick Charles Burman after John Cochran
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite

Purchased 2010

John Knatchbull, Murderer of Mrs Ellen Jamieson
John Knatchbull, Murderer of Mrs Ellen Jamieson
John Knatchbull, Murderer of Mrs Ellen Jamieson

John Knatchbull, Murderer of Mrs Ellen Jamieson, 1844

Charles Rodius, Hiberian Printing Office
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Gift of Leo Schofield AM 2005. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Saide, R.Y.S. (Charles Gibson Millar)
Saide, R.Y.S. (Charles Gibson Millar)
Saide, R.Y.S. (Charles Gibson Millar)

Saide, R.Y.S. (Charles Gibson Millar), 1894

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

Purchased 2015

Sir Charles Gavan Duffy
Sir Charles Gavan Duffy
Sir Charles Gavan Duffy

Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, c. 1870

Batchelder & Company Photo
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

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

The Right Honourable Charles Lord Hawkesbury, Chancellor of the Duchy and County Palatine of Lancaster
The Right Honourable Charles Lord Hawkesbury, Chancellor of the Duchy and County Palatine of Lancaster
The Right Honourable Charles Lord Hawkesbury, Chancellor of the Duchy and County Palatine of Lancaster

The Right Honourable Charles Lord Hawkesbury, Chancellor of the Duchy and County Palatine of Lancaster, 1788

John Murphy after George Romney
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2014

The Right Reverend Lord Bishop of Melbourne (Dr. Charles Perry)
The Right Reverend Lord Bishop of Melbourne (Dr. Charles Perry)
The Right Reverend Lord Bishop of Melbourne (Dr. Charles Perry)

The Right Reverend Lord Bishop of Melbourne (Dr. Charles Perry), 1876

Thomas Atkinson, Samuel Mullen after Henry Weigall Jnr
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2009

Charles Haddon Chambers

Suave

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2010

Charles Haddon Chambers the Australian-born playboy playwright settled permanently in London in 1880 but never lost his Australian stance when satirising the English.

La Perouse, from a miniature in the possession of La Perouse's niece at Alby
La Perouse, from a miniature in the possession of La Perouse's niece at Alby
La Perouse, from a miniature in the possession of La Perouse's niece at Alby

La Perouse, from a miniature in the possession of La Perouse's niece at Alby, n.d.

Thomas Woolnoth, Charles Knight
Portrait, engraving on paper

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

image not online

Madame Carandini, c. 1872

Charles Hewitt, A Marion Son and Co (Paris/London)
Portrait, albumen silver photograph on cabinet card

Purchased 2022

Small Holdings (The Earl Carrington Baron Charles Robert Carrington)
Small Holdings (The Earl Carrington Baron Charles Robert Carrington)
Small Holdings (The Earl Carrington Baron Charles Robert Carrington)

Small Holdings (The Earl Carrington Baron Charles Robert Carrington), 1907

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

Gift of Ronald Walker 2002

Charlie (Lord Charles Robert Carrington)
Charlie (Lord Charles Robert Carrington)
Charlie (Lord Charles Robert Carrington)

Charlie (Lord Charles Robert Carrington), 1874

Carlo Pellegrini, Vanity Fair Magazine
Portrait, chromolithograph on paper

Purchased 2013

His Royal Highness Prince Henry William Frederick Albert, Duke of Gloucester (Governor General of Australia)
His Royal Highness Prince Henry William Frederick Albert, Duke of Gloucester (Governor General of Australia)
His Royal Highness Prince Henry William Frederick Albert, Duke of Gloucester (Governor General of Australia)

His Royal Highness Prince Henry William Frederick Albert, Duke of Gloucester (Governor General of Australia), 1943-1944

Charles Wheeler
Portrait, coloured chalk with black ink highlight on artist board

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2019

Sir Charles Lloyd Jones

Home and away

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2009

Sir William Dobell painted the portraits of Sir Charles Lloyd Jones and Sir Hudson Fysh, who did much to promote the image of Australia in this country and abroad.

The sisters, 1904

Beguiling impressions

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2012

Sarah Engledow is seduced by the portraits and the connections between the artists and their subjects in the exhibition Impressions: Painting light and life.

Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool
Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool
Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool

Robert Banks Jenkinson, 2nd Earl of Liverpool, 1827

Charles Turner after Sir Thomas Lawrence
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2015

Baron Ferdinand von Mueller
Baron Ferdinand von Mueller
Baron Ferdinand von Mueller

Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, c. 1890

Charles Troedel after Robert Wendel
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2013

a Traveller (2nd Baron Lamington)
a Traveller (2nd Baron Lamington)
a Traveller (2nd Baron Lamington)

a Traveller (2nd Baron Lamington), 1892

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

Purchased 2015

'The Australian Cricketers' from The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News June 1882, page 1 Unknown artist Publisher Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News

'The Australian Cricketers' from The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News June 1882, page 1

Unknown artist Publisher Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News
Image
Charles Conder, Stella Maris Condor and Florence Humphrey at les Petites Dalles, Normandy
Charles Conder, Stella Maris Condor and Florence Humphrey at les Petites Dalles, Normandy
Charles Conder, Stella Maris Condor and Florence Humphrey at les Petites Dalles, Normandy

Charles Conder, Stella Maris Condor and Florence Humphrey at les Petites Dalles, Normandy, 1902

H. Walter Barnett
Portrait, platinum photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2001

Sir Charles Court and Richard Court
Sir Charles Court and Richard Court
Sir Charles Court and Richard Court

Sir Charles Court and Richard Court, 2006-2007

Mary Moore
Portrait, oil on composition board

Commissioned with funds provided by Tim Fairfax AC 2006

The Right Honourable William Pitt
The Right Honourable William Pitt
The Right Honourable William Pitt

The Right Honourable William Pitt, 1799

Charles Brome after William Owen
Portrait, line engraving on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2016

Charles and Adam
Charles and Adam
Charles and Adam

Charles and Adam, 1990 (printed 2013)

Michael Riley
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2013

Charles Perkins with Eileen Perkins
Charles Perkins with Eileen Perkins
Charles Perkins with Eileen Perkins

Charles Perkins with Eileen Perkins, 1964 (printed 2021)

Robert McFarlane
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Tim Bednall 2021

Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman
Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman
Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman

Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman, c. 1956

Charles Blackman OBE
Portrait, oil on paper laid down on board

Gift of Joanna McNiven 2018. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother)
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother)
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother)

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother), 1943-1944

Charles Wheeler
Portrait, coloured chalk on artist board

Purchased 2019

Richard Windeyer
Richard Windeyer
Richard Windeyer

Richard Windeyer, c. 1828

Charles Richard Bone
Portrait, watercolour on ivory in a gold pendant with a lock of hair and gold thread

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

Girl (portrait of Barbara Blackman)
Girl (portrait of Barbara Blackman)
Girl (portrait of Barbara Blackman)

Girl (portrait of Barbara Blackman), 1969

Charles Blackman OBE
Portrait, charcoal on paper

Purchased 2009

Untitled (portrait of Barbara Blackman)
Untitled (portrait of Barbara Blackman)
Untitled (portrait of Barbara Blackman)

Untitled (portrait of Barbara Blackman), 1976

Charles Blackman OBE
Portrait, charcoal on paper

Purchased 2009

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.

Australian Aboriginal Cricketers
Australian Aboriginal Cricketers
Australian Aboriginal Cricketers

Australian Aboriginal Cricketers, 1867

Patrick Dawson
Portrait, albumen silver photograph on original lithograph title sheet

Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2009

Opening of the First Legislative Council of Victoria by Governor Charles Joseph LaTrobe at St Patrick's Hall, Bourke Street West, Melbourne November 13th 1851
Opening of the First Legislative Council of Victoria by Governor Charles Joseph LaTrobe at St Patrick's Hall, Bourke Street West, Melbourne November 13th 1851
Opening of the First Legislative Council of Victoria by Governor Charles Joseph LaTrobe at St Patrick's Hall, Bourke Street West, Melbourne November 13th 1851

Opening of the First Legislative Council of Victoria by Governor Charles Joseph LaTrobe at St Patrick's Hall, Bourke Street West, Melbourne November 13th 1851, 1883

John Noone after William Strutt
Portrait, photolithograph on paper

Purchased 2013

'The Australian Cricketers' from The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News June 1882
'The Australian Cricketers' from The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News June 1882
'The Australian Cricketers' from The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News June 1882

'The Australian Cricketers' from The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News June 1882, 1882

an unknown artist
Portrait, engravings on paper

Purchased 2009

image not online

Set of 129 Royal Christmas Cards and three miscellaneous items, 1951-2001

an unknown artist
Portrait, offset print (tipped in), letter press (greeting), pen and ink (signature), embossed (royal emblem) on cardboard

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Patricia Tryon Macdonald 2005
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Delegates to the Constitutional Convention, Sydney 1891 from Australasia Illustrated
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention, Sydney 1891 from Australasia Illustrated
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention, Sydney 1891 from Australasia Illustrated

Delegates to the Constitutional Convention, Sydney 1891 from Australasia Illustrated, 1891

an unknown artist
Portrait, engraving on paper (4 sheets)

Purchased 2009

King Charles I, 1628 Gerrit van Honthorst

King Charles I

Gerrit van Honthorst
Image
Prince Charles Edward Stuart, 1738 Louis Gabriel Blanchet

Prince Charles Edward Stuart

Louis Gabriel Blanchet
Image
Charles, 2015 by Amiel Courtin-Wilson, video: 7 minutes

Charles, 2015

by Amiel Courtin-Wilson
General content

Winner, DPA 2016

Charles Darwin, 1883, based on a work of 1881 John Collier

Charles Darwin

John Collier
Image
Charles William Vane-Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry, 1812 Sir Thomas Lawrence

Charles William Vane-Stewart, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry

Sir Thomas Lawrence
Image
Charles Dickens, 1839 Daniel Maclise

Charles Dickens

Daniel Maclise
Image
William Charles Windeyer
William Charles Windeyer
William Charles Windeyer

William Charles Windeyer, c. 1857

an unknown artist
Portrait, daguerreotype

Gift of the Windeyer family 2009

William Charles Wentworth
William Charles Wentworth
William Charles Wentworth

William Charles Wentworth, 1854

Thomas Woolner
Portrait, cast bronze relief medallion

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

Sir William Charles Windeyer
Sir William Charles Windeyer
Sir William Charles Windeyer

Sir William Charles Windeyer, 1892

Tom Roberts
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of the family of Sir Victor and Lady Windeyer 2009. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

William Charles Windeyer
William Charles Windeyer
William Charles Windeyer

William Charles Windeyer, 1856

an unknown artist
Portrait, daguerreotype

Gift of the Windeyer family 2009

William Charles Windeyer aged six
William Charles Windeyer aged six
William Charles Windeyer aged six

William Charles Windeyer aged six, 1840

an unknown artist
Portrait, watercolour on ivory

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

William Charles Wentworth -The Australian Patriot
William Charles Wentworth -The Australian Patriot
William Charles Wentworth -The Australian Patriot

William Charles Wentworth -The Australian Patriot, c. 1870

an unknown artist
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

Self portrait with Charlie (David Hockney; Charles Dare Scheips), 2005 David Hockney

Self portrait with Charlie (David Hockney; Charles Dare Scheips)

David Hockney
Image
Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Captain Charles Ulm

Extraordinary airmen make aviation history

Passion

Charles is my wingman

Annie Roberts
Annie Roberts
Annie Roberts

Annie Roberts, 1878

George Baird Shaw
Portrait, watercolour on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Reg, Lesley, Glen and Paul Thoms 2011

Ann Mary Windeyer
Ann Mary Windeyer
Ann Mary Windeyer

Ann Mary Windeyer, 1847

G Ziegler
Portrait, pastel and gouache on paper laid down on backing sheet

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Joanna Russell Maher (née Windeyer) 2018

The Capel Family, c. 1640 Cornelius Johnson

The Capel Family

Cornelius Johnson
Image
Rod McNicol

Rod McNicol

Winner, National Photographic Portrait Prize 2012
General content

Rod McNicol on photographing Jack Charles.

George Andronicus
George Andronicus
George Andronicus

George Andronicus, 1985 (printed 2018)

Gary Ede
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Wayne Williams 2018

Charles, 2015 by Amiel Courtin-Wilson, video: 7 minutes

Digital Portraiture Award 2016

Previous exhibition, 2016

An annual event to extend traditional notions of portraiture and foster emerging artists with an interest in new technology.

Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel, 1629 Sir Peter Paul Rubens

Thomas Howard, 14th Earl of Arundel

Sir Peter Paul Rubens
Image

Portrait 43

June - August 2012
Magazine

This issue features Cindy Sherman, Tim Storrier, Brett Whiteley and Patrick White, contemporary Chinese portraiture, Charles Blackman and more.

Marion Borgelt

Time and Line

In Gallery Seven
Previous exhibition, 2022

Encompassing the 1820s to the 2020s, Time and Line showcases the depth and extent of our drawing collection.

Nell Gwyn, c. 1680 Simon Verelst

Nell Gwyn

Simon Verelst
Image
David Lloyd Jones
David Lloyd Jones
David Lloyd Jones

David Lloyd Jones, 1944

Sir William Dobell OBE
Portrait, oil on masonite

Gift of David Lloyd Jones, in memory of his father, David Lloyd Jones 2021. Donated through Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

John Fairfax
John Fairfax
John Fairfax

John Fairfax, mid to late 19th century

Achille Simonetti
Portrait, carrara marble on scagliola column

Gift of John Fairfax Holdings Ltd 2002. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Lady Natasha Johnston
Lady Natasha Johnston
Lady Natasha Johnston

Lady Natasha Johnston, 1968

Cecil Beaton
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Hugo Vickers 2005

Oliver Cromwell, c. 1649 Robert Walker

Oliver Cromwell

Robert Walker
Image
Edward Lloyd Jones
Edward Lloyd Jones
Edward Lloyd Jones

Edward Lloyd Jones, c. 1920s

Arthur Murch
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Charles E. Lloyd Jones and Kim Lloyd Jones 2019. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Jack Charles

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2012

Previous exhibition, 2012

The National Photographic Portrait Prize exhibition is selected from a national field of entries that reflect the distinctive vision of Australia's aspiring and professional portrait photographers and the unique nature of their subjects.

Hetti

Beauty and strength

Portraits by Michael Riley
Previous exhibition, 2014

Influential Indigenous Australian artist Michael Riley (1960 - 2004) created these portrait photographs between 1984 and 1990 - they stand as an intricately connected group portrait of the vibrant urban-based Indigenous arts community in Sydney's inner-west at a formative moment.

Judy, 2012 by Sally Robinson

Judy, 2012

by Sally Robinson
Image
Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones
Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones
Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones

Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones, 1970

Judy Cassab AO CBE
Portrait, oil on masonite

Gift of Charles E. Lloyd Jones and Kim Lloyd Jones 2019. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Wild Man, 2005 by Ron Mueck

Ron Mueck

More about In the flesh artists

Ron Mueck grew up in Melbourne and began a career in puppetry and special-effects based in the US and then London. In the mid-1990s Charles Saatchi commissioned four major works including Dead dad, which were exhibited in Saatchi’s exhibition ‘Sensation’ at the Royal Academy, London and which travelled to Berlin and Brooklyn.

Portrait of Mrs Fairfax
Portrait of Mrs Fairfax
Portrait of Mrs Fairfax

Portrait of Mrs Fairfax, n.d.

an unknown artist
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of John Fairfax Holdings Ltd 2002
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Maria Windeyer
Maria Windeyer
Maria Windeyer

Maria Windeyer, c. 1865-1868

Freeman Brothers after Edwin Dalton
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite on brown paper studio folder

Gift of J.B. Windeyer 2018

HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, 2006 Ralph Heimans AM

Ralph Heimans

Portraiture. Power. Influence.
Current exhibition

The exhibition will feature some of the most significant portraits in the artist’s career to date, from early major works such as his painting of HM Queen Mary of Denmark through to his most recent.

John Fairfax
John Fairfax
John Fairfax

John Fairfax, c. 1860

Edwin Dalton
Portrait, pastel on paper laid on canvas

Gift of John Fairfax Holdings Ltd 2002. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Chicka Dixon
Chicka Dixon
Chicka Dixon

Chicka Dixon, 1980

Juno Gemes
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2004. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Nancy Bird Walton
Nancy Bird Walton
Nancy Bird Walton

Nancy Bird Walton, c. 1973

Judy Cassab AO CBE
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of Nancy Bird Walton AO OBE 2008. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Charles (still from video)  by Amiel Courtin-Wilson

The Winner of the Digital Portraiture Award 2016 is...

2 December 2016
Archived media releases 2016

The winner of the Digital Portraiture Award 2016 has been announced. Congratulations to Amiel Courtin-Wilson for his submission titled Charles.

Portrait 64

Summer 2019/20
Magazine

Marian Anderson, emerging photographer Charles Dennington, piscatorial portraits, and the poignant path of photographer Polixeni Papapetrou and more.

Ben Chifley
Ben Chifley
Ben Chifley

Ben Chifley, n.d.

Max Dupain OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Danina Dupain Anderson 2017. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Copeman, gardener, Great Yarmouth by John Dempsey

Dempsey's people

A folio of British street portraits 1824–1844
Previous exhibition, 2017

Dempsey’s people: a folio of British street portraits 1824–1844 is the first exhibition to showcase the compelling watercolour images of English street people made by the itinerant English painter John Dempsey throughout the first half of the nineteenth century.

Maryan, 2010 by Rod McNicol

Life and time

Portraits by Rod McNicol
Previous exhibition, 2015

Australian photographer Rod McNicol has consistently analysed the passing of time through the evidence of the photographic portrait. At once confronting and tender, McNicol’s portrait photographs are bold and intimate. 

Tea time, c.1898–1902 by Rupert Bunny (1864–1947)

Impressions

Painting light and life
Previous exhibition, 2011

Impressions: Painting light and life presents portraits by, and of, artists at the heart of Australian impressionism including Tom Roberts, Arthur Streeton and Frederick McCubbin.

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.

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

Portrait 54

Spring 2016
Magazine

Explore an Indian treasure trove, photography by Robert McFarlane and Nan Goldin, Michael Taylor's expressionist paintings, the Great War portraits, and more!

Albert Namatjira

Sir William Dargie

A Ninetieth Birthday Tribute
Previous exhibition, 2002

As a tribute to Sir William Dargie's singular contribution to Australian art and cultural institutions, and on the occasion of his birthday, The Australian War Memorial, Parliament House and the National Portrait Gallery will mount exhibitions of his work between May and October

Angus Trumble with Portrait of Sir Joseph Banks by Thomas Phillips

Banksia and grevillea

About Face article

Portraits can render honour to remarkable men and women, but there are other ways.

The Brougham

The Brougham

Beards

A philosopher-style of beard – thick and lengthy; a greyer, hence wiser version of the Burke; and suited to older men who saw themselves as sagacious or statesmanlike.

HM Queen Elizabeth II

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II (1926–2022)

9 September 2022
Media

The National Portrait Gallery is deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Throughout her 70-year reign, Her Majesty represented graciousness, humanity and stability during times of enormous social change.

The Colonel (Portrait of Walter Withers)
The Colonel (Portrait of Walter Withers)
The Colonel (Portrait of Walter Withers)

The Colonel (Portrait of Walter Withers), 1896

David Davies
Portrait, pastel on paper

Purchased 2009

The Lambert

The Lambert

Beards

Barbering manuals of the turn of the century might describe this style as a ‘Van Dyck’, named after the Dutch painter Anthony van Dyck (1599–1641) who is known to have adopted this look.

Eric Douglas
Eric Douglas
Eric Douglas

Eric Douglas, c. 1930

Frank Hurley OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Sally Douglas 2009

Livingston Hopkins
Livingston Hopkins
Livingston Hopkins

Livingston Hopkins, n.d.

an unknown artist
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2008

Ursula Hoff
Ursula Hoff
Ursula Hoff

Ursula Hoff, 1994

Francis Reiss
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2004

Tom Roberts
Tom Roberts
Tom Roberts

Tom Roberts, 1920

Alice Mills
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Gerard Vaughan 2001

Damien Parer
Damien Parer
Damien Parer

Damien Parer, c. 1939

Max Dupain OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Timothy Fairfax AC 2003

Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, 2004

Peter Russell-Clarke
Portrait, synthetic polymer paint on cardboard

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005

Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, 1894

Livingston Hopkins
Portrait, etching on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by Ross A Field 2008

Self portrait

Sir William Dargie CBE

Magazine article by Magda Keaney, 2003

Sir William Dargie, painter and eight times winner of the Archibald Prize for portraiture, died in Melbourne on July 26, 2003, aged 91.

Sir James Reading Fairfax
Sir James Reading Fairfax
Sir James Reading Fairfax

Sir James Reading Fairfax, 1898

Tom Roberts
Portrait, oil on canvas laid on board

Gift of John Fairfax Holdings Ltd 2002. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Barry Sullivan
Barry Sullivan
Barry Sullivan

Barry Sullivan, c. 1863

Davies & Co
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Purchased 2018

Andrew Southall
Andrew Southall
Andrew Southall

Andrew Southall, 1992

Rick Amor
Portrait, drypoint on wove paper

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

The family

Literary lovers’ life liaison

Lust

Desire drives forbidden love

Damien Parer
Damien Parer
Damien Parer

Damien Parer, 1937

Max Dupain OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Danina Dupain Anderson 2017. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Hal Hattam
Hal Hattam
Hal Hattam

Hal Hattam, 1960

Fred Williams
Portrait, oil on masonite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Hattam family in memory of Hal and Kate Hattam 2006
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

A Goldfields Member
A Goldfields Member
A Goldfields Member

A Goldfields Member "The Dove of Ararat" [The Hon. William McLellan M.L.A], 1874

Tom Durkin, The Weekly Times
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2016

Mirka and Philippe - 9 Collins Street

New Australians bring creative wealth

Nearest & Dearest

Melbourne’s iconic culture-shapers

George and Jemima Billet with family
George and Jemima Billet with family
George and Jemima Billet with family

George and Jemima Billet with family, c. 1852

C.H.T. Costantini
Portrait, watercolour on paper

Purchased 2016

Ada Crossley
Ada Crossley
Ada Crossley

Ada Crossley, c. 1900

Rotary Photo Company Ltd
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Roger Neill 2009

Matthew Burnett
Matthew Burnett
Matthew Burnett

Matthew Burnett, c. 1865

Henry Samuel Sadd
Portrait, steel engraving on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2015

Anne Hyde, Duchess of York and King James II, c. 1661-1662 Sir Peter Lely

Anne Hyde, Duchess of York and King James II

Sir Peter Lely
Image
Fanny Jane Marlay
Fanny Jane Marlay
Fanny Jane Marlay

Fanny Jane Marlay, c. 1841

an unknown artist
Portrait, watercolour on ivory

Purchased 2013

Arthur Streeton, Nora Streeton (nee Clench) and Pat, the dog
Arthur Streeton, Nora Streeton (nee Clench) and Pat, the dog
Arthur Streeton, Nora Streeton (nee Clench) and Pat, the dog

Arthur Streeton, Nora Streeton (nee Clench) and Pat, the dog, c. 1909

H. Walter Barnett
Portrait, platinum photograph on printed card

Purchased 2001

image not online

All in the Family

Magazine article by Barbara Blackman AO, 2003

In 2000, Barbara Blackman donated a portrait of her close friends - poet Judith Wright, her husband Jack McKinney and their daughter Meredith - painted by Charles Blackman.

Archbishop James Goold
Archbishop James Goold
Archbishop James Goold

Archbishop James Goold, c. 1870

Archibald McDonald
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

Barbara Blackman
Barbara Blackman
Barbara Blackman

Barbara Blackman, c. 1953

an unknown artist
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of Barbara Blackman 2004

Arthur Streeton
Arthur Streeton
Arthur Streeton

Arthur Streeton, c. 1890

H. Walter Barnett
Portrait, platinum photograph on original studio backing card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2001

Beadle, Winchester, 1823 by John Dempsey

Beadles, bellmen and bumbles

General content

For Dempsey’s people their occasional encounters with state power would have been largely through the local parish, which administered the ‘Old Poor Law’.

Madame Melba
Madame Melba
Madame Melba

Madame Melba, 1922

Harold Cazneaux
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2015

Thomas Pearce
Thomas Pearce
Thomas Pearce

Thomas Pearce, c. 1878

The Photographic Society of Victoria, Melbourne
Portrait, albumen paper carte de visite on card

Purchased 2010

The Tichborne Claimant (Arthur Orton)
The Tichborne Claimant (Arthur Orton)
The Tichborne Claimant (Arthur Orton)

The Tichborne Claimant (Arthur Orton), c. 1872

Maull & Co Photographers
Portrait, albumen silver carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2001

Robert Emerson Curtis
Robert Emerson Curtis
Robert Emerson Curtis

Robert Emerson Curtis, 1943

Max Dupain OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Richard King 2008
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Francis Russell Nixon
Francis Russell Nixon
Francis Russell Nixon

Francis Russell Nixon, c. 1845-1855

an unknown artist after George Richmond
Portrait, copperplate engraving, heightened with China white on buff paper

Purchased 2009

Thomas Woolner

Missing Persons

Thomas Woolner in Australia
About Face article

Desperately seeking Woolner medallions

Sir John Hay
Sir John Hay
Sir John Hay

Sir John Hay, 1887

Freeman Brothers
Portrait, albumen silver photograph on cabinet card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2015

Rosalie Kunoth
Rosalie Kunoth
Rosalie Kunoth

Rosalie Kunoth, 1953 printed 1958

an unknown artist
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2016

William - Aspendale
William - Aspendale
William - Aspendale

William - Aspendale, 1966 (printed 2015)

Lazar Krum
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Gift of the artist 2015

Nlle. Holland Port Jackson: Sauvages des environs de Sydney: Nani, Taran, Abinghou, Broten, Timbere
Nlle. Holland Port Jackson: Sauvages des environs de Sydney: Nani, Taran, Abinghou, Broten, Timbere
Nlle. Holland Port Jackson: Sauvages des environs de Sydney: Nani, Taran, Abinghou, Broten, Timbere

Nlle. Holland Port Jackson: Sauvages des environs de Sydney: Nani, Taran, Abinghou, Broten, Timbere, 1825

Jean Coutant after Jacques Etienne Victor Arago
Portrait, line engraving on paper

Purchased 2015

George and Jemima Billet with family

In the most correct style

Nearest & Dearest

Desirable outcomes, undesirable origins

Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, 2006

Judy Cassab AO CBE
Portrait, oil on board

Gift of Dr Phillip Dutton and Valerie Dutton 2013. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Jacques Arago
Jacques Arago
Jacques Arago

Jacques Arago, c. 1830s

Nicolas Maurin, Alexandre Sixdeniers
Portrait, engraving on paper

Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2009

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

Michael with beetroot sprouting
Michael with beetroot sprouting
Michael with beetroot sprouting

Michael with beetroot sprouting, 2008

Janet Dawson
Portrait, pastel on paper

Purchased 2015

Captain John Lort Stokes
Captain John Lort Stokes
Captain John Lort Stokes

Captain John Lort Stokes, c. 1841

an unknown artist
Portrait, watercolour on ivory

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2013

Captain James King, engraving after Webber
Captain James King, engraving after Webber
Captain James King, engraving after Webber

Captain James King, engraving after Webber, 1784

Francesco Bartolozzi after John Webber
Portrait, engraving on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by Robert Oatley AO 2007

Emily Fairfax
Emily Fairfax
Emily Fairfax

Emily Fairfax, 1870

William Macleod
Portrait, oil on canvas laid on board

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of John Fairfax Holdings Ltd 2002
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Nancy Bird Walton - Pioneer
Nancy Bird Walton - Pioneer
Nancy Bird Walton - Pioneer

Nancy Bird Walton - Pioneer, 2003

Danelle Bergstrom
Portrait, oil on canvas

Purchased with funds provided by the Basil Bressler Bequest 2004

Maria Polly Cutmore
Maria Polly Cutmore
Maria Polly Cutmore

Maria Polly Cutmore, 2021

Jessica Hromas
Portrait, pigment print on Hahnemühle photorag metallic paper

Purchased 2022

Judith Wright with Barbara Blackman

Friendship’s rhyme and reason

Nearest & Dearest

Poetic trio

The first Australian first-class cricket team to tour England and North America
The first Australian first-class cricket team to tour England and North America
The first Australian first-class cricket team to tour England and North America

The first Australian first-class cricket team to tour England and North America, 1878

A & G Taylor
Portrait, albumen photograph on carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2013

Portrait 63

Winter 2019
Magazine

Rod McNicol's method and motivation, 19th century Indigenous peoples, Barrie Cassidy on Bob Hawke, five generations of the Kang family from Korea and more.

Portrait of Mrs Sarah Fairfax
Portrait of Mrs Sarah Fairfax
Portrait of Mrs Sarah Fairfax

Portrait of Mrs Sarah Fairfax, c. 1864

Edwin Dalton
Portrait, pastel on paper laid on canvas

Gift of John Fairfax Holdings Ltd 2002. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

François Péron
François Péron
François Péron

François Péron, c. 1805

Conrad Westermayr after Jean Henri Cless
Portrait, engraving on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

Mary Windeyer
Mary Windeyer
Mary Windeyer

Mary Windeyer, c. 1891

Freeman Brothers
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on studio mount

Gift of J.B. Windeyer 2018

James Morrison with flugelhorn
James Morrison with flugelhorn
James Morrison with flugelhorn

James Morrison with flugelhorn, 1994

Kerrie Lester
Portrait, oil and hand-stitching on canvas

Purchased 1999. Courtesy of the Corrigan family and Stuart Purves.

Portrait of Mr Frank Packer

Judy Cassab

The artist's diary
Previous exhibition, 2013

The artist's diary profiles six decades of Cassab's work, from the early portrait commissions of the 1950s to later paintings that have helped confirm her eminent place in the canon of Australian portraiture.

Sir Ian Potter

Mark Strizic

A Journey in Photography
Previous exhibition, 2004

This exhibition traces the creative output of nearly 50 years by one of Australia's landmark living photographers.

Lord Florey
Lord Florey
Lord Florey

Lord Florey, c. 1966

Louis Kahan AO
Portrait, fibre-tipped pen on paper

Purchased 1998

Lord John Russell
Lord John Russell
Lord John Russell

Lord John Russell, 1844

Samuel Bellin after Thomas Heathfield Carrick
Portrait, mezzotint on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2014

Shahleena Musk
Shahleena Musk
Shahleena Musk

Shahleena Musk, c. 2000

Penny Tweedie
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Gift of the artist 2004

Mary Windeyer on the verandah at Tomago, NSW
Mary Windeyer on the verandah at Tomago, NSW
Mary Windeyer on the verandah at Tomago, NSW

Mary Windeyer on the verandah at Tomago, NSW, c. 1880s

an unknown artist
Portrait, glass plate negative

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Windeyer family 2012

Barbara Blackman
Barbara Blackman
Barbara Blackman

Barbara Blackman, 2008

Gorgi Dimcevski
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Barbara Blackman 2009

Jane Windeyer
Jane Windeyer
Jane Windeyer

Jane Windeyer, n.d.

Madame Praeger
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Windeyer family 2012

George Lambert

'Self Portrait with Gladioli'
Portrait story

An examination of the life and times of George Lambert through the gesture and pose in his self portrait. 

Linda Burney MLA Canturbury and Rick Farley at home, Marrickville
Linda Burney MLA Canturbury and Rick Farley at home, Marrickville
Linda Burney MLA Canturbury and Rick Farley at home, Marrickville

Linda Burney MLA Canturbury and Rick Farley at home, Marrickville, 2003

Juno Gemes
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

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.

A Victorian Knight
A Victorian Knight
A Victorian Knight

A Victorian Knight "Thrice Chief Secretary" [Sir James McCulloch K.C.M.G.], 1874

Tom Durkin, The Weekly Times
Portrait, lithograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2016

Wenten Rubuntja
Wenten Rubuntja
Wenten Rubuntja

Wenten Rubuntja, 1998

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

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

Wenten Rubuntja
Wenten Rubuntja
Wenten Rubuntja

Wenten Rubuntja, 2001

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

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

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

The Bathers, 1989

Hall of Mirrors

Anne Zahalka Portraits 1987-2007
Previous exhibition, 2007

Hall of Mirrors: Anne Zahalka Portraits 1987-2007 explores the thread of portraiture through the artist's prolific career, now spanning more than 20 years.

Catholic clergymen from the Diocese of Adelaide
Catholic clergymen from the Diocese of Adelaide
Catholic clergymen from the Diocese of Adelaide

Catholic clergymen from the Diocese of Adelaide, c. 1862

Stephen Edward Nixon
Portrait, carte de visite photograph

Purchased 2018

Aden Ridgeway & pallbearers entering Sydney Town Hall, State Funeral for Kwementyaye Perkins AO, 25th October 2000
Aden Ridgeway & pallbearers entering Sydney Town Hall, State Funeral for Kwementyaye Perkins AO, 25th October 2000
Aden Ridgeway & pallbearers entering Sydney Town Hall, State Funeral for Kwementyaye Perkins AO, 25th October 2000

Aden Ridgeway & pallbearers entering Sydney Town Hall, State Funeral for Kwementyaye Perkins AO, 25th October 2000, 2000

Mervyn Bishop
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2001

The rose, 1927

The World of Thea Proctor

Previous exhibition, 2005

The World of Thea Proctor is the Portrait Gallery's second major biographical exhibition - that is, the second exhibition to focus exclusively on the life and work of a single individual

Mungo MacCallum, press gallery cricket
Mungo MacCallum, press gallery cricket
Mungo MacCallum, press gallery cricket

Mungo MacCallum, press gallery cricket, 1973

Frank Hinder
Portrait, fibre-tipped pen on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Enid Hawkins 2003
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Mary Windeyer
Mary Windeyer
Mary Windeyer

Mary Windeyer, 1850s

an unknown artist
Portrait, watercolour and gouache on ivory

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

Men of the Day No.19
Men of the Day No.19
Men of the Day No.19

Men of the Day No.19 "A great Med'cine-Man among the Inqui-ring Redskins" (Thomas Henry Huxley), 1871

Carlo Pellegrini, Vanity Fair Magazine
Portrait, chromolithograph on paper

Purchased 2015

Joseph Dalton Hooker
Joseph Dalton Hooker
Joseph Dalton Hooker

Joseph Dalton Hooker, c. 1880s

an unknown artist
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2009

Thomas Woolner

The 1850s to the 1880s

Mo and beard timeline

The restrained and cultivated facial hair fashions evident through the first decades of the 1800s were on the wane by the middle of the century, when hirsute faces became mainstream.

Harry Williams
Harry Williams
Harry Williams

Harry Williams, 2005

Sahlan Hayes
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on resin-coated paper

Purchased 2006

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

Nancy Bird Walton, c. 1938

The aviatrix

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2009

Joanna Gilmour explores the extraordinary life of Australian female aviator Nancy Bird Walton AO OBE

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

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.

Dame Nellie Melba
Dame Nellie Melba
Dame Nellie Melba

Dame Nellie Melba,

an unknown artist
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on cabinet card

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2007

Maryan, 2010 by Rod McNicol

Rod McNicol

18 June 2015
Archived media releases 2015

Australian photographer Rod McNicol has consistently analysed the passing of time through the evidence of the photographic portrait. At once confronting and tender, McNicol’s portrait photographs are bold and intimate.

Thomas Sutcliffe Mort and his wife Theresa

Husbands and Wives

Photographic Portraits from 19th Century Australia
Previous exhibition, 2010

'I have just been to my dressing case to take a peep at you.

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.

Bungaree, late chief of the Broken Bay tribe, Sydney

Heads of the People

A Portrait of Colonial Australia
Previous exhibition, 2000

For Tom Roberts - Australia's best nineteenth-century portrait painter - neither a proto-national portrait gallery nor more popular collections of portrait heads, were sufficient public celebrations for the notables of Australian history

Cour-rou-bari-gal
Cour-rou-bari-gal
Cour-rou-bari-gal

Cour-rou-bari-gal, 1807

Nicolas-Martin Petit after Barthélemy Roger
Portrait, engraving, hand coloured on paper

Purchased with funds provided by Ross A Field 2008

William Charles Wentworth -The Australian Patriot

The Wentworths – Hidden in Plain Sight

Magazine article by Dr Grace Blakeley-Carroll, 2015

Grace Carroll on the gendered world of the Wentworths.

Martha Sarah Butler
Martha Sarah Butler
Martha Sarah Butler

Martha Sarah Butler, c. 1845

Thomas Griffiths Wainewright
Portrait, watercolour, gouache and pencil on paper

Purchased 2009

Victor Trumper
Victor Trumper
Victor Trumper

Victor Trumper, 1905

George Beldam, Sun Electric Engraving Company
Portrait, photogravure on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2009

Self portrait
Self portrait
Self portrait

Self portrait, c. 1911

Frank Hurley OBE
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2005

William Johnson (1873—1948) by Percy Leason

Recognition

Percy Leason's Aboriginal Portraits
Previous exhibition, 1999

Originally conceived as an anthropological record, Percy Leason’s powerful 1934 portraits of Victorian Aboriginal people are today considered to be a highlight of 20th century Australian portraiture

Reg Livermore, Pitt Street, Sydney
Reg Livermore, Pitt Street, Sydney
Reg Livermore, Pitt Street, Sydney

Reg Livermore, Pitt Street, Sydney, 1965 (printed 2020)

Robert McFarlane
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2020

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.

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.

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.

Jane Mander Jones
Jane Mander Jones
Jane Mander Jones

Jane Mander Jones, 1853

Henry Robinson Smith
Portrait, oil on canvas laid on composition board

Gift of Susanna de Vienne, Sarah Wood and David Lloyd Jones 2009. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

David Jones
David Jones
David Jones

David Jones, 1853

Henry Robinson Smith
Portrait, oil on canvas laid on composition board

Gift of Susanna de Vienne, Sarah Wood and David Lloyd Jones 2009. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

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.

Thomas Sutcliffe Mort and his wife Theresa
Thomas Sutcliffe Mort and his wife Theresa
Thomas Sutcliffe Mort and his wife Theresa

Thomas Sutcliffe Mort and his wife Theresa, c. 1847

an unknown artist, Thomas Wharton
Portrait, daguerreotype in a pinchbeck case

Purchased 2001

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.

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

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.

Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones
Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones
Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones

Lady [Hannah] Lloyd Jones, c. 1930

E.O. Hoppé
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 2013

Baz Luhrmann

Glossy 2

Faces, Magazines, Now
Previous exhibition, 2005

Following the success of Glossy: Faces, Magazines, Now in 1999 the National Portrait Gallery again highlights the huge array of contemporary portraiture in the pages of magazines.

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.

Ursula Hoff

Remembering Ursula

About Face article

I first knew Dr. Hoff when in 1986, long after retiring from the National Gallery of Victoria, she taught a graduate seminar on Rembrandt.

Lt. Genrl. the Rt Honble. Sir George Murray G.C.B., G.C.H. &c.
Lt. Genrl. the Rt Honble. Sir George Murray G.C.B., G.C.H. &c.
Lt. Genrl. the Rt Honble. Sir George Murray G.C.B., G.C.H. &c.

Lt. Genrl. the Rt Honble. Sir George Murray G.C.B., G.C.H. &c., 1838

John Cochran after Sir Thomas Lawrence
Portrait, engraving on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2018

Barry Tuckwell
Barry Tuckwell
Barry Tuckwell

Barry Tuckwell, 1991

June Mendoza
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of David Tuckwell 2018

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

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.

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.

Billy the match man, Liverpool, 1844 by John Dempsey

Rare Set of Watercolour Paintings on Display for the First Time

15 June 2017
Archived media releases 2017

A rare and enchanting collection of 52 portraits of British street people will be on display for the first time in the National Portrait Gallery’s winter show, Dempsey’s People: a folio of British street portraits 1824-1844.

Bathing woman, Bridlington, c.1825 by John Dempsey

Allow me to introduce...

General content

These full-length figures in watercolour, gouache and pencil date mostly from the 1820s, and almost all come from the collection of the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Hobart.

Frances Perry
Frances Perry
Frances Perry

Frances Perry, c. 1863

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

Purchased 2012

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.

Nellie Melba
Nellie Melba
Nellie Melba

Nellie Melba, 1898

Ernest Walter Histed
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

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

Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John
Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John, 1978 (printed 2017)

Gary Heery
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 2017

Captain W Kinghorne
Captain W Kinghorne
Captain W Kinghorne

Captain W Kinghorne, 1834

Thomas James Lempriere
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by The Ian Potter Foundation 2007

Skyhooks (Red Symons, Bob Starkie, Shirley Strachan, Greg Macainsh, Freddie Strauks) in Parker’s studio, Fitzroy, 1975 David Parker

Cool cool world

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2022

Penelope Grist unpacks photographs by David Parker, who captured the phenomenal emergence of the 1970s and 80s Melbourne music scene.

Gustavus Brooke
Gustavus Brooke
Gustavus Brooke

Gustavus Brooke, c. 1865

Burman and Son
Portrait, albumen silver carte de visite

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

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

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’. 

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

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

Barbara Blackman

Life class

Magazine article by Leonie Hellmers, 2004

Barbara Blackman reflects on her experiences as a life model.

James Oswald Fairfax

The Fairfax Gift

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2003

This article examines the portraits gifted to the National Portrait Gallery by Fairfax Holdings in 2003.

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

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

Cocky McGrath

About Face article

The long life and few words of a vice-regal cockatoo

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

Rachel Ward and Bryan Brown

Australian Love Stories

4 January 2021
Archived media releases 2021

A major new exhibition celebrating love in all its guises. Opening 20 March 2021.

Sir William Charles Windeyer

Private virtues public lives

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2010

Family affections are preserved in a fine selection of intimate portraits.

Self portrait

Expect the unexpected

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2019

Joanna Gilmour revels in accidental artist Charles Rodius’ nineteenth century renderings of Indigenous peoples.

The National Portrait Gallery

In the galleries

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Christopher Chapman highlights the inaugural hang of the new National Portrait Gallery building which opened in December 2008.

Andrew George Scott, alias Captain Moonlite, c.1879 attributed to Charles Nettleton

Diseased curiosity

Captain Moonlite et al on trial for murder
About Face article

Just after 10.00 o'clock on 3 December 1879, four prisoners were brought from their cells at Darlinghurst Gaol and placed in the dock of a courtroom heaving with agitated spectators

Betty Bryant, c. 1939

The life of Bryant

Magazine article by Tenille Hands, 2018

Tenille Hands explores a portrait prize gifted to the National Screen and Sound Archive.

Victor Trumper

Top shot that

Magazine article by Gideon Haigh, 2009

Gideon Haigh discusses portraits of Australian cricketers from the early 20th century

Venetia, Lady Digby, circa 1633-1634 by Sir Anthony van Dyck

Love in the extreme

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2020

Joanna Gilmour reveals love’s more intense manifestations in the tale of Lord Kenelm and Venetia Digby.

The cook (Michael Schmidt/architect), 1987

Hall of mirrors

Magazine article by Naomi Cass, 2007

Naomi Cass, Director of the Centre of Contemporary Photography, in conversation with Anne Zahalka.

spaces between movement and stillness

Harriet Schwarzrock: spaces between movement and stillness

10 February 2021
Archived media releases 2021

To celebrate the new exhibition Australian Love Stories, renowned Australian glass artist Harriet Schwarzrock has been commissioned to make a large-scale installation reflecting on the role the heart plays as our emotional centre.

Janet Dawson, 2016 by Mark Mohell

Janet Dawson

Explore The Popular Pet Show

When soulmates Janet Dawson and Michael Boddy moved from Sydney to a property, Boddy was clear about why: ‘Our marriage is one long conversation - we moved to the bush so we could talk to each other without so many interruptions.’

Part of the crew of His Majesty's Ship Guardian endeavouring to escape in the boats
Part of the crew of His Majesty's Ship Guardian endeavouring to escape in the boats
Part of the crew of His Majesty's Ship Guardian endeavouring to escape in the boats

Part of the crew of His Majesty's Ship Guardian endeavouring to escape in the boats, 1790

Robert Dodd
Portrait, aquatint on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2011

Portrait of Captain Edward Riou
Portrait of Captain Edward Riou
Portrait of Captain Edward Riou

Portrait of Captain Edward Riou, 1801

James Heath after Samuel Shelley
Portrait, stipple engraving on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2011

Portrait of Elizabeth Gould with a raptor, possibly a red-footed falcon (Falco vespertinus), painted in her lifetime Artist unknown

Birds of a feather

Magazine article by Annette Twyman, 2021

Charting a path from cockatiel to finch, Annette Twyman explores her family portraits and stories.

HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, 2006 Ralph Heimans AM

Announcing... Ralph Heimans: Portraiture. Power. Influence.

30 November 2023
Media

In March 2024, the National Portrait Gallery will launch a major exhibition of the work of Ralph Heimans AM, the Australian artist who’s painted some of the world’s most recognisable people.

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.

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.

Mirka Mora

It's a Mora!

Magazine article by Tedi Bills, 2016

Select extracts from Mirka Mora's autobiography, Wicked but Virtuous, provide rich accompaniment to recent Gallery acquisitions.  

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.

Amy Johnson wearing a woollen suit from the collection of flight clothes designed by Madame Schiaparelli for her solo flight from London to Cape Town, 1938 unknown photographer

Air wear

Magazine article by Esther Agostino, 2015

Aviation carried women’s roles in society to greater heights – fashion followed suit.

Potters' Portrait Pot

Of human clay

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2009

The first collaborative commission has arrived. It's a self portrait, it's ceramic and it's from Hermannsburg.

Canberra Close Up: Angus Trumble

Desert Island Discs

About Face article

I agonized over the choice of four songs to take with me to the ABC Studios for Alex Sloan’s Canberra 666 afternoon program, a sort of iteration of the old BBC Desert Island Discs.

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.

Queen Victoria (1819-1901), Signed and dated 1843 by Franz Xaver Winterhalter

Queen Victoria

About Face article

Last Sunday I had the privilege of appearing at the Canberra Writers’ Festival in conversation with Julia Baird. The subject of our session was Julia’s recent biography, Victoria the Queen: An Intimate Biography of the Woman who Ruled an Empire.

Bee Miles

Good, bad and the ugly

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2007

Michael Desmond explores what makes a portrait subject significant.

Francois-Marius Granet, 1807

Ingres in Paris

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2006

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres was one of the greatest portrait painters in history.

Portrait of Lady Eyre Williams (Jessie Gibbon)

Chance encounter

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2009

Joanna Gilmour explores the life and times of one of Melbourne's early socialites, Jessie Eyre Williams.

Dame Mabel Brookes

The hands have it

Magazine article by Angus Trumble, 2016

Angus Trumble treats the gallery’s collection with a dab hand.

Sisters, 2015 by André Brönnimann

Adam’s Prize Apples

Magazine article by Pamela Gerrish Nunn, 2016

Pamela Gerrish Nunn explores New Zealand’s premium award for portraiture.

Self portrait

A guy from Paris

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2018

Sarah Engledow on a foundational gallery figure who was quick on the draw.

Australian Dance Party and Catapult Dance performing Connecting Stories: Innovations at the National Portrait Gallery, 2022 Lorna Sim

Let’s dance

Magazine article by Emma Batchelor, 2022

Emma Batchelor uncovers the compelling contemporary dance made in response to the works in Shakespeare to Winehouse.

Sydney Ure Smith

Dupain detective

Magazine article by Johanna McMahon, 2019

Johanna McMahon revels in history and mystery in pursuit of a suite of unknown portrait subjects.

Shakespeare to Winehouse: Icons from the National Portrait Gallery, London

Announcing Shakespeare to Winehouse

24 November 2021
Archived media releases 2021

More than eighty treasures from the National Portrait Gallery London will travel to Canberra for a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from March 2022.

Jim Conway

Selfhood transcended

Magazine article by Dr Anne Sanders and Dr Christopher Chapman, 2018

Anne Sanders and Christopher Chapman bring passionate characterisation to Express Yourself, the Portrait Gallery collection exhibition celebrating iconoclastic Australians.

Clifton Pugh and John Olsen, Dunmoochin

Poet of the Fleeting Moment

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2004

Mark Strizic's work crosses a broad spectrum of photographic fields including urban, industrial, commercial, and architectural photography. 

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.

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.

Sir Thomas Gore-Browne
Sir Thomas Gore-Browne
Sir Thomas Gore-Browne

Sir Thomas Gore-Browne, 1864

J Walch & Sons
Portrait, tinted lithograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2018

High school, 2008

Subtle emotion

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2010

Christopher Chapman considers photographer Rozalind Drummond's portrait of author Nam Le.

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.

Sunset in the drawing room at Chesney Wold by Hablot Knight Brown

Portraiture in a Bleak House

About Face article

It may seem an odd thing to do at one’s leisure on a beautiful tropical island, but I spent much of my midwinter break a few weeks ago re-reading Bleak House.

The Mutineers turning Lieut Bligh and part of the Officers and Crew adrift from His Majesty's Ship the Bounty

High & Bligh

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2008

Joanna Gilmour explores the 1790 portrait of William Bligh by Robert Dodd.

Eden, 2011 by Arianne McNaught

Arianne McNaught

NPPP 2012 learning resource

An interview with the photographer.

Little John of Colchester, a poor lunatic, c.1823 by John Dempsey

Dempsey's people

About Face article

Those of you who are active in social media circles may be aware that through the past week I have unleashed a blitz on Facebook and Instagram in connection with our new winter exhibition Dempsey’s People: A Folio of British Street Portraits, 1824−1844.

John Monash

Lauded legacy

Magazine article by Karl James, 2015

Karl James gives short shrift to doubts about the profile of General Sir John Monash.

Facing Australia, Composite portrait: Facing St Lucia, 2003

Conflicting images

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2008

Michael Desmond reveals the origins of composite portraits and their evolution in the pursuit of the ideal.

Tracey

Sophisticated and glamorous

Magazine article by Amanda Rowell, 2015

Michael Riley’s early portraits by Amanda Rowell.

Edward John Eyre

Hearts of Darkness

Magazine article by Magda Keaney, 2006

The National Portrait Gallery's acquisition of the portrait of Edward John Eyre by pioneering English photographer Julia Margaret Cameron.

Cachasunghia, Osage Warrior 1804–06 by Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin

Political profiles

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2016

Joanna Gilmour examines the prolific output of Charles Balthazar Julien Févret de Saint-Mémin, and discovers the risk of taking a portrait at face value.

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.

Lady Barkly

A real Pratt

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2015

The death of a gentlewoman is shrouded in mystery, a well-liked governor finds love after sorrow, and two upright men become entangled in the historical record.

Kristin Headlam with Basil, 2016 by Mark Mohell

Kristin Headlam

Explore The Popular Pet Show

Basil grew into a speckled beauty – a long-legged leaper and an exceptionally vocal dog, with a great register of sounds, ascending in shock value from a whimper to a growl to a bark to a yelp that’s a violation of the ears.

A woman of New South Wales, c. 1840

More cash than dash

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2011

Joanna Gilmour describes how colonial portraitists found the perfect market among social status seeking Sydneysiders.

image not online

Portrait Donors

Listed by year
Honour board

Indexing, the art of

About Face article

The first index I created was for my first book, and, to my astonishment, that was almost twenty-five years ago.

Alexander Pearce
executed for murder
July 19th 1824

Public hanging

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2008

As a convict Thomas Bock was required to sketch executed murders for science; as a free man, fashionable society portraits.

Clifton Pugh painting in the studio

Painting mates

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2011

Michael Desmond discusses Fred Williams' portraits of friends, artist Clifton Pugh, David Aspden and writer Stephen Murray-Smith, and the stylistic connections between his portraits and landscapes.

Brooke Lockett, Heidi Martin, Karen Nanasca, Halaina Hills; New York, 2012 Lisa Tomasetti

Dance like everyone’s watching

About Face article

Penelope Grist’s spirits soar with Lisa Tomasetti’s Dancers in the Streets series.

Martin Sharp

Oz and beyond

Magazine article by Diana Warnes, 2007

Martin Sharp fulfils the Pop art idiom of merging art and life.

"Just what is it that makes today's homes so different, so appealing?", 1956

Pop goes the preconception

Magazine article by Paul Moorhouse, 2007

A National Portrait Gallery, London exhibition redefines portraiture, shifting the focus towards a new perspective on Pop Art.

Virginia Woolf, 1902 George Charles Beresford

Love my way

Magazine article by Inga Walton, 2022

Inga Walton delves into the bohemian group of artists and writers who used each other as muses and transformed British culture.

The National Portrait Gallery's 20th birthday party

The National Portrait Gallery's 20th Anniversary

About Face article

Last month we marked the twentieth anniversary of the formal establishment of the National Portrait Gallery, the tenth of the opening of our signature building, and the fifth of our having become a statutory authority under Commonwealth legislation.

Aretha Brown in front of her New Shakahari Wall Mural Commission at La Mama Theatre, Carlton, 2023 Mark Mohell

Aretha Brown

In conversation
Magazine article by Rebecca Ray, 2023

Gumbaynggirr artist Aretha Brown talks street art, collaboration and ghost stories with First Nations Curator and Meriam woman, Rebecca Ray.

Edward Paine Butler

Poison pen

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2010

Michael Desmond examines the career of the eighteenth-century suspected poisoner and portrait artist Thomas Griffiths Wainewright.

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.

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.

Seven sisters song Kaylene Whiskey

You are who?

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2022

Joanna Gilmour reflects on merging collections and challenging traditional assumptions around portraiture in WHO ARE YOU.

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.

Tom Wills, c. 1870 by William Handcock

Secure the shadow ere the substance fade

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2015

The tragic tale of Tom Wills, the ‘inventor’ of Australian Rules Football.

Monument to Mrs. Moore St. Luke’s Church, Liverpool, Sydney

Waterloo and Mrs. Moore

About Face article

Beyond the centenary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli, a number of other notable anniversaries converge this year. Waterloo deserves a little focussed consideration, for in the decades following 1815 numerous Waterloo and Peninsular War veterans came to Australia.

Portrait of George Selth Coppin

The Multifarious Career of George Selth Coppin

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2004

George Selth Coppin (1819-1906) comedian, impresario and entrepreneur, was a driving force of the early Australian theatre.

The Cutmear sisters, Jane and Lucy, c. 1842

A man of superior attainments

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2013

Joanna Gilmour explores the life of a colonial portrait artist, writer and rogue Thomas Griffiths Wainewright.

Portrait of William Manning, c.1821 by Henry Bone

Of beef in burgundy

Magazine article by Angus Trumble, 2017

Angus Trumble reveals the complex technical mastery behind a striking recent acquisition, Henry Bone’s enamel portrait of William Manning.

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.

Untitled (girl on chair with red shoes) by Violet Frisby

Finding Mrs Frisby

Magazine article by Robyn Sweaney, 2016

Robyn Sweaney's quiet Violet obsession.

Pierre de Rigaud de Vaudreuil de Cavagnial, Marquis de Vaudreuil, ca.1753-55

Canadian identities

Magazine article by Lilly Koltun, 2004

An exploration of national identity in the Canadian context drawn from the symposium Face to Face at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in 2004.

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.

Portrait of Troppo Architects, 2009

Thinking about architecture and portraiture

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Dr Christopher Chapman describes the experimental exhibition Portraits + Architecture

Jessie Street

Worth her salt

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2009

Jerrold Nathan's portrait of Jessie Street shows the elegant side of a many-faceted lady.

The Rajah quilt, 1841 by Kezia Hayter

Material culture

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2018

The Rajah Quilt’s narrative promptings are as intriguing as the textile is intricate.

Self portrait

Of ice and men

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2009

Frank Hurley's celebrated images document the heroism and minutiae of Australian exploration in Antarctica.

Tony Bilson

Eating the seasons

Magazine article by Dr Anne Sanders, 2019

Anne Sanders imbibes Tony Bilson’s gastronomic revolution.

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.

Chris Wallace-Crabbe

Confessional conversations

The portraiture of Kristin Headlam
Magazine article by Fiona Gruber, 2015

Fiona Gruber investigates the work of Australian painter Kristin Headlam.

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.

Revd Dr Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch, c.1795 by Sir Henry Raeburn

Great Scots

Magazine article by Diana O'Neil, 2017

Diana O’Neil samples the tartan treats on offer in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

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.

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.

George and Jemima Billet with family

Costantini's convictions

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2017

Jo Gilmour uncovers endearing authenticity in the art of a twice-transported Tasmanian.

Cover, first minute book of the Tasmanian Society of Natural History

Embrace your inner nerd

About Face article

The southern winter has arrived. For people in the northern hemisphere (the majority of humanity) the idea of snow and ice, freezing mist and fog in June, potentially continuing through to August and beyond, encapsulates the topsy-turvidom of our southern continent.

Portrait of Dr Johann Reinhold Forster and his son George Forster

To the end of the earth

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2009

The portrait of Dr. Johann Reinhold Forster and his son George Forster from 1780, is one of the oldest in the NPG's collection.

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.

First-Class Marksman, 1946 by Sidney Nolan

Money for Myth

Magazine article by Jane Raffan, 2015

Australian character on the market by Jane Raffan.

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.

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.

Ned Kelly death mask

Getting a head

Magazine article by Alexandra Roginski, 2015

Alexandra Roginski gets a feel for phrenology’s fundamentals.

Eileen Dunne in The Hospital for Sick Children, 1940

The incomparable Beaton

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2005

To accompany the exhibition Cecil Beaton: Portraits, held at the NPG in 2005, this article is drawn from Hugo Vickers's authorised biography, Cecil Beaton (1985).

Louis XVI giving final instructions to the Comte de La Perouse, c. 1785

Sea legged frogs

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2011

Joanna Gilmour describes some of the stories of the individuals and incidents that define French exploration of Australia and the Pacific.

Self portrait

The Dissecting Room

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2015

Joanna Gilmour accounts for Australia’s deliciously ghoulish nineteenth century criminal portraiture. 

Sir Lawrence Wackett

Starry knight

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2010

Aircraft designer, pilot and entrepreneur, Sir Lawrence Wackett rejoins friends and colleagues on the walls of the National Portrait Gallery.

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.

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.

Waterfall in Australia, c. 1830 by Augustus Earle

Augustus serendipitous

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2016

The London-born son of an American painter, Augustus Earle ended up in Australia by accident in January 1825. 

National Portrait Gallery

History

About us

How the National Portrait Gallery and its unique collection came to be

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.

The artist and her family, c. 1854 by Martha Berkeley

Presence and absence

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2018

The art of Australia’s colonial women painters affords us an invaluable, alternative perspective on the nascent nation-building project.

Sarah Bernhardt, 1876 by Georges Clairin

Demimonde liaisons

Magazine article by Jane Raffan, 2017

Jane Raffan feasts on modernity’s entrée in the Belle Époque theatre of the demimonde.

Nicholas Harding, 2016 Mark Mohell

Nicholas Harding

Explore The Popular Pet Show

Over the years the young Nicholas Harding got his hands on various mice and guinea pigs, but they served mainly to illustrate the concept of mortality. 

Lady Jane Grey, c.1590-1600 (also known as The ‘Streatham’ portrait) Artist unknown

The Royal she

Magazine article by Inga Walton, 2019

Traversing paint and pixels, Inga Walton examines portraits of select women in Tudors to Windsors: British Royal Portraits.

Madame du Barry, 1791 by Richard Cosway

Little women

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2019

Joanna Gilmour looks beyond the ivory face of select portrait miniatures to reveal their sitters’ true grit.

Practising the Minuet (Miss Hilda Spong)

An actress and her fans

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2008

Dr. Sarah Engledow discovers the amazing life of Ms. Hilda Spong, little remembered star of the stage, who was captured in a portrait by Tom Roberts.

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.

Henry Lawson

Regarding Henrys

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2015

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

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.

An evening at Yarra Cottage, Port Stephens

Maria Caroline Brownrigg

About Face article

At first glance, this small watercolour group portrait of her two sons and four daughters by Maria Caroline Brownrigg (d. 1880) may seem prosaic, even hesitant

George Reid paperweight

Some prime ministers

General content

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

Trevor Jamieson, 2016 by Brett Canet-Gibson

The more things change...

NPPP 2017 exhibition essay
General content

Dr Sarah Engledow, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2017 Prize.

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.

Patrick Ryan, 1968 by Mark Strizic

The silent partner

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2015

One half of the team that was Eltham Films left scarcely a trace in the written historical record, but survives in a vivid portrait.

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.

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