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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.

Clive Shakespeare
Clive Shakespeare
Clive Shakespeare

Clive Shakespeare, 1975 (printed 2001)

Lewis Morley
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2002
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Sherbet
Sherbet
Sherbet

Sherbet, 1974 (printed 2002)

Lewis Morley
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2002
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Sherbet
Sherbet
Sherbet

Sherbet, 1974

Lewis Morley
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

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

The artist Marc Clark, 2019 Russell Shakespeare

The artist Marc Clark, 2019

Russell Shakespeare
Image
Tim Fairfax AC
Tim Fairfax AC
Tim Fairfax AC

Tim Fairfax AC, 2018

Russell Shakespeare
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Commissioned with funds provided by The Calvert-Jones Foundation 2018

Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh

Steve Waugh, 2001

Russell Shakespeare
Portrait, direct positive colour photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2002

Lady Flo, 2011 by Russell Shakespeare

Lady Flo, 2011

by Russell Shakespeare
Image
Clive James
Clive James
Clive James

Clive James, 1999

Polly Borland
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2001

Clive Blazey
Clive Blazey
Clive Blazey

Clive Blazey, 2004

Jane Varkulevicius
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005

Sir Clive McPherson
Sir Clive McPherson
Sir Clive McPherson

Sir Clive McPherson, early 1950s

Sir William Dargie CBE
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Estate of Marion Orme Page 2016

William Shakespeare, c. 1600-1610  associated with John Taylor

Shakespeare to Winehouse

Icons from the National Portrait Gallery, London
Previous exhibition, 2022

From Shakespeare to Winehouse, Darwin to Dickens, the Beatles, Brontë sisters and Beckham, the National Portrait Gallery London holds the world’s most extensive collection of portraits.

William Shakespeare, c. 1600-1610  associated with John Taylor

William Shakespeare

associated with John Taylor
Image
William Shakespeare, c. 1600-1610  associated with John Taylor

William Shakespeare

associated with John Taylor
Image
William Shakespeare, c. 1600-1610  associated with John Taylor

William Shakespeare

associated with John Taylor
Image
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.

Tim Fairfax AC

Tim Fairfax, 2018

by Russell Shakespeare
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by The Calvert-Jones Foundation 2018

Slow Motion @ 300kms per hour Mark ‘Sparky’ Webber, Formula 1 Driver, 2016 by Gino Zardo

Slow Motion @ 300kms per hour Mark ‘Sparky’ Webber, Formula 1 Driver, 2016

by Gino Zardo
Image
Slow Motion @ 300kms per hour Mark 'Sparky'™ Webber, Formula 1 Driver
Slow Motion @ 300kms per hour Mark 'Sparky'™ Webber, Formula 1 Driver
Slow Motion @ 300kms per hour Mark 'Sparky'™ Webber, Formula 1 Driver

Slow Motion @ 300kms per hour Mark 'Sparky'™ Webber, Formula 1 Driver, 2016

Gino Zardo
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2019

John Bell
John Bell
John Bell

John Bell, 1962 (printed 2006)

Jozef Vissel
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2006

Study for John Bell as King Lear
Study for John Bell as King Lear
Study for John Bell as King Lear

Study for John Bell as King Lear, 1998-2001

Nicholas Harding
Portrait, ink, charcoal and conté on paper

Gift of the artist 2010. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Mel Gibson

POL

Portrait of a Generation
Previous exhibition, 2003

POL was a magazine that ran from 1969 to 1986

Plenty, 2009 by Anton Perry

Plenty, 2009

by Anton Perry
Image
Tomáš Kantor in Bell Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, 2023

A Performance of Portraiture

Ralph Heimans tour
Event, Starts Thursday 16 May
Monkey business, 2011 by Alina Gozin'a

Monkey business, 2011

by Alina Gozin'a
Image
Penelope Seidler
Penelope Seidler
Penelope Seidler

Penelope Seidler, 2019 (printed 2021)

Anne Zahalka
Portrait, pigment ink print on paper

Purchased 2021

Harry and Penelope Seidler
Harry and Penelope Seidler
Harry and Penelope Seidler

Harry and Penelope Seidler, 15 December 1958

John Hearder
Portrait, photograph on paper

Gift of Penelope Seidler AM 2021

Study for a portrait of Dame Merlyn Myer DBE
Study for a portrait of Dame Merlyn Myer DBE
Study for a portrait of Dame Merlyn Myer DBE

Study for a portrait of Dame Merlyn Myer DBE, 1960s

Sir William Dargie CBE
Portrait, oil on masonite

Gift of the Estate of Marion Orme Page 2016

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

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.

Inner Worlds

Portraits and Psychology
Previous exhibition, 2011

Portraits of Australia’s pioneering psychologists and artworks by artists fascinated by the subconscious mind.

Margaret Fink
Margaret Fink
Margaret Fink

Margaret Fink, 1989

Kerrie Lester
Portrait, oil and hand-stitching with diamantes on canvas

Gift of the artist 1999. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

William Shakespeare, c. 1600-1610  associated with John Taylor

Selected images

General content

Take a peek at a selection of the portraits you can see in the exhibition.

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.

John Bell as King Lear oil on Belgian linen, 2001 by Nicholas Harding

Lear unbuttoned

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2011

Sarah Engledow steps up to the footlights and applauds the storyline behind Nicholas Harding's portraits of actor John Bell.

Bee Miles
Bee Miles
Bee Miles

Bee Miles, 1976

Roderick Shaw
Portrait, charcoal on paper

Gift of Brian Griffin 2000

Jane Campion
Jane Campion
Jane Campion

Jane Campion, 2009

Peter Brew-Bevan
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2011

Geoffrey Rush
Geoffrey Rush
Geoffrey Rush

Geoffrey Rush, 1997

Montalbetti + Campbell
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Purchased 1999

Jacki Weaver
Jacki Weaver
Jacki Weaver

Jacki Weaver, 2018

John Tsiavis
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Commissioned with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2018

Jacob Nash
Jacob Nash
Jacob Nash

Jacob Nash, 2017

Ingvar Kenne
Portrait, inkjet print on paper

Gift of the artist 2020. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Portrait 66

Portrait 66

Summer 2021/22
Magazine

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

Barry Jones
Barry Jones
Barry Jones

Barry Jones, 1998

Tristan Humphries
Portrait, digital print on watercolour paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2000

Clive James

Golden Jubilee

Magazine article by Magda Keaney, 2002

Polly Borland's photograph of The Queen was commissioned by Buckingham Palace as part of a series of high profile celebrations to mark the Golden Jubilee.

Portrait 67

Portrait 67

Winter 2022
Magazine

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

Geo Face Distributor

The Icons Syndicate

Support your Portrait Gallery

Annual membership of the Icons Syndicate is $5,000 and you are invited to join by making a tax-deductible donation to the National Portrait Gallery.

Hugo at home (Hugo Weaving)

Nicholas Harding

28 Portraits
Previous exhibition, 2017

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

Godfrey Miller

Form and reality

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2008

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

Barry Humphries

Talking heads

About Face article

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

NPG Announces departure of Director, Karen Quinlan AM

3 August 2022
Media

National Portrait Gallery Chair Penny Fowler announced today that NPG Director Karen Quinlan will leave the Gallery in September to take up a new position as Chief Executive Officer of Arts Centre Melbourne.

William Shakespeare, c. 1600-1610  associated with John Taylor

Take thy face hence

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2022

Joanna Gilmour travels through time to explore the National Portrait Gallery London’s masterpieces in Shakespeare to Winehouse.

Jessica Mauboy

National Portrait Gallery unveils twenty new portrait commissions to celebrate twenty years

18 October 2018
Archived media releases 2018

The National Portrait Gallery has unveiled twenty new portrait commissions of Australian leaders and individualists as part of its twentieth birthday celebrations in a new exhibition, 20/20: Celebrating twenty years with twenty new portrait commissions.

Ian Roberts (after Coypel 1709)

Super League

Magazine article by David Sequeira, 2004

The portrait of Ian Roberts by Ross Watson.

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.

Monkey business, 2011 by Alina Gozin'a

Alina Gozin'a

NPPP 2012 learning resource

An interview with the photographer.

Lee Lin Chin

Icons

Parliament House
Touring exhibition, 2019

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

Hardtmuth 'Hottie' Lahm

Hottie's Snifter to port

Magazine article by Peter Jeffrey, 2016

Peter Jeffrey trips the hound nostalgic.

Jacki Weaver

Jacki Weaver, 2018

by John Tsiavis
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC 2018

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.

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.

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.

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.

Announcing.... In their own words

24 November 2020
Archived media releases 2020

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

Andrew Sayers AM

Past directors

History

Directors of the National Portrait Gallery from 1998 to today.

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.

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

Risky business

Magazine article by John Zubrzycki, 2016

John Zubrzycki lauds the characters of the Australian escapology trade.

The rose, 1927

The world of Thea Proctor

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2005

The world of Thea Proctor was the National Portrait Gallery's second exhibition to follow the life of a single person, following Rarely Everage: The lives of Barry Humphries.

Victor Trumper

Top shot that

Magazine article by Gideon Haigh, 2009

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

Jacki Weaver

Flash mob

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2019

Sarah Engledow trains her exacting lens on the nine photographs from 20/20.

The Long Awaited, 2008 by Patricia Piccinini

In the flesh

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2015

An exhibition of humanness in ten themes by Penelope Grist.

Dr Edward MacMahon, 1959 by William Dobell

Bill and Ted's excellent portrait.

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2016

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

Girl with Cigarette, c. 1925 by Agnes Goodsir

Agnes enigma

Magazine article by Karen Quinlan AM, 2019

Karen Quinlan considers the case of Agnes Goodsir, whose low profile in Australia belies her overseas acclaim.

Dr Christopher Chapman

The art of Inner Worlds

Lecture, 7 May 2011
General content

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

Self-Portrait, 1981 by Don Bachardy

Drawing inspiration

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2017

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

Karl Robert, Count Nesselrode, 1818 by Sir Thomas Lawrence

The Lawrence lustre

Magazine article by Angus Trumble, 2019

Angus Trumble salutes the glorious portraiture of Sir Thomas Lawrence.

Bee Miles

Good, bad and the ugly

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2007

Michael Desmond explores what makes a portrait subject significant.

First-Class Marksman, 1946 by Sidney Nolan

Money for Myth

Magazine article by Jane Raffan, 2015

Australian character on the market by Jane Raffan.

Chevalier d’Eon, 1792

All dressed up

Magazine article by Jane Raffan, 2013

Jane Raffan asks do clothes make the portrait, and can the same work with a new title fetch a better price?

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.

Untitled #21/09 (after Ricci, 1700; featuring Matthew Mitcham)

Getting bare

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2015

How seven portraits within Bare reveal in a public portrait parts of the body and elements of life usually located in the private sphere.

Adrian Rawlins

Earth to earth

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2013

Dr Sarah Engledow discusses the recent gift of works by David Campbell.

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).

20/20 launch speech

About Face article

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

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.

David Marr, 2011 by Nicholas Harding

Through thick and thin

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2017

Sarah Engledow likes the manifold mediums of Nicholas Harding’s portraiture.

David Marr, 2011 by Nicholas Harding

Nicholas Harding: 28 Portraits

Exhibition essay
General content

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

image not online

Portrait Donors

Listed by year
Honour board
Dr Reg Hook

Inner Worlds and psychoanalysis

Lecture, 4 June 2011
General content

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

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

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

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