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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.

Self portrait at easel
Self portrait at easel
Self portrait at easel

Self portrait at easel, 1960-1961

Fred Williams
Portrait, oil on masonite

Gift of Lyn Williams 1998. 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

Fred Williams
Fred Williams
Fred Williams

Fred Williams, 1969

David Moore
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Purchased 1999

Fred Williams
Fred Williams
Fred Williams

Fred Williams, 1980

Andrew Sibley
Portrait, pencil and watercolour on paper

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

Fred Schepisi
Fred Schepisi
Fred Schepisi

Fred Schepisi, c. 2000

Kate Gollings
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2004

Rev. Fred Nile, Festival of Light, Sydney
Rev. Fred Nile, Festival of Light, Sydney
Rev. Fred Nile, Festival of Light, Sydney

Rev. Fred Nile, Festival of Light, Sydney, 1981

John Williams
Portrait, montage of gelatin silver photographs

Purchased 1999

Fred Williams, Upwey, Victoria
Fred Williams, Upwey, Victoria
Fred Williams, Upwey, Victoria

Fred Williams, Upwey, Victoria, 1963 (printed 2000)

David Moore
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2001. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.
The series 'David Moore: From Face to Face' was acquired as a gift of the artist and with financial assistance from Timothy Fairfax AC and L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2001.

Fred Hilmer
Fred Hilmer
Fred Hilmer

Fred Hilmer, 2018

Evert Ploeg
Portrait, oil on linen

Commissioned with funds provided by Dr Helen Nugent AO 2018

Fred Gruen
Fred Gruen
Fred Gruen

Fred Gruen, 1941

Erwin Fabian
Portrait, gouache on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds donated by Andrew Sayers and from the Basil Bressler Bequest 2002

Fred Williams - Painter
Fred Williams - Painter
Fred Williams - Painter

Fred Williams - Painter, 1981

Rennie Ellis
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2005

Fred Williams
Fred Williams
Fred Williams

Fred Williams, 1980

Andrew Sibley
Portrait, pencil on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010

Fred Cress
Fred Cress
Fred Cress

Fred Cress, 1995

Greg Weight
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

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

John Perceval painting
John Perceval painting
John Perceval painting

John Perceval painting, 1958

Fred Williams
Portrait, drypoint on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of James Mollison AO 2007

Patrick McCaughey
Patrick McCaughey
Patrick McCaughey

Patrick McCaughey, 1985

Fred Cress
Portrait, synthetic polymer paint on canvas

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

Portrait of Patrick Ryan
Portrait of Patrick Ryan
Portrait of Patrick Ryan

Portrait of Patrick Ryan, 1971

Fred Williams
Portrait, gouache on paper laid on board

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased with funds provided by Tim Fairfax AC 2012

Clifton Pugh painting in the studio
Clifton Pugh painting in the studio
Clifton Pugh painting in the studio

Clifton Pugh painting in the studio, 1974

Fred Williams
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Lyn Williams AM 2011
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Sketch portrait of David Aspden
Sketch portrait of David Aspden
Sketch portrait of David Aspden

Sketch portrait of David Aspden, 1975

Fred Williams
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Lyn Williams AM 2011
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Murray Bail
Murray Bail
Murray Bail

Murray Bail, 1980-1981

Fred Williams
Portrait, oil on canvas

Gift of an anonymous donor 1999. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Queen Rose of the Wathaurung People
Queen Rose of the Wathaurung People
Queen Rose of the Wathaurung People

Queen Rose of the Wathaurung People, c. 1876-1877

Fred Kruger
Portrait, albumen paper photograph

Purchased 2017

Angus Trumble with Self portrait at easel by Fred Williams

Autumn in Canberra

About Face article

In Persuasion (1818), a long walk on a fine autumn day affords Anne Elliot an opportunity to ruminate wistfully and at great length upon declining happiness, youth and hope.

Sir Frederick Chaney
Sir Frederick Chaney
Sir Frederick Chaney

Sir Frederick Chaney, n.d.

Louis Kahan AO
Portrait, pencil on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Mrs Lily Kahan 2017
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Fred Hollows
Fred Hollows
Fred Hollows

Fred Hollows, 1993

Kerrie Lester
Portrait, oil and hand-stitching on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 1999
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

Stephen Murray-Smith
Stephen Murray-Smith
Stephen Murray-Smith

Stephen Murray-Smith, 1980

Fred Williams
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Lyn Williams AM 2011
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

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.

Olly's Trolly, Freddie's Brushes
Olly's Trolly, Freddie's Brushes
Olly's Trolly, Freddie's Brushes

Olly's Trolly, Freddie's Brushes, 1989

Murray Walker
Portrait, monoprint on paper

Gift of the artist 2001

Fred Hilmer

Fred Hilmer, 2018

by Evert Ploeg
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by Dr Helen Nugent AO 2018

Marc Besen AC and Eva Besen AO
Featuring a favourite painting, Fred Williams ‘Wild Dog Creek’ 1977
Marc Besen AC and Eva Besen AO
Featuring a favourite painting, Fred Williams ‘Wild Dog Creek’ 1977
Marc Besen AC and Eva Besen AO
Featuring a favourite painting, Fred Williams ‘Wild Dog Creek’ 1977

Marc Besen AC and Eva Besen AO
Featuring a favourite painting, Fred Williams ‘Wild Dog Creek’ 1977, 2020

Raelene Sharp
Portrait, oil on linen

Commissioned with funds provided by Nigel Satterley AM and Denise Satterley 2020

Fred Dagg (John Clarke)
Fred Dagg (John Clarke)
Fred Dagg (John Clarke)

Fred Dagg (John Clarke), 1982

Rennie Ellis
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2006

Scrapbook page featuring portraits of Fred Lowry and Frank Gardiner
Scrapbook page featuring portraits of Fred Lowry and Frank Gardiner
Scrapbook page featuring portraits of Fred Lowry and Frank Gardiner

Scrapbook page featuring portraits of Fred Lowry and Frank Gardiner, c. 1863

an unknown artist, Freeman Brothers
Portrait, albumen silver photographs on laid on paper with handwritten text

Purchased 2008

Self portrait

John Brack Portraits

Previous exhibition, 2007

The exhibition includes such striking works as Portrait of Fred Williams, and Barry Humphries in the character of Edna Everage, the enigmatic Portrait of Hal Hattam, a group of revealing self portraits including the mysterious Inside and Outside, as well as endearing portraits of the artist's children.

Cowboy Wilson, Birds, 2009 by Tobias Rowles

Cowboy Wilson, Birds, 2009

by Tobias Rowles
Image
Fiona Stanley

Lifelines

Medical advocates
General content

Fiona Stanley, Fiona Wood, Fred Hollows, Patrick McGorry and John Yu

Portrait 40

July - August 2011
Magazine

This issue features Claudia Karvan & Jimmy Pozarik, Agus Suwage & Contemporary Portraiture from Asia, Fred Williams, Zhong Chen, John Bell, The French Antipodes and more.

Rose Lindsay in garden at Springwood with Peter the fox terrier
Rose Lindsay in garden at Springwood with Peter the fox terrier
Rose Lindsay in garden at Springwood with Peter the fox terrier

Rose Lindsay in garden at Springwood with Peter the fox terrier, c. 1924

Harold Cazneaux
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2008

Rose Lindsay
Rose Lindsay
Rose Lindsay

Rose Lindsay, 1970

Anthony Browell
Portrait, direct positive colour photograph

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 1999

Rudy Komon
Rudy Komon
Rudy Komon

Rudy Komon, c. 1970

Lewis Morley
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

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

Robert Henderson Croll
Robert Henderson Croll
Robert Henderson Croll

Robert Henderson Croll, 1927

Frederick George Reynolds
Portrait, oil on canvas on board

Gift of Grietje Croll in memory of her late husband Robert Devereaux Croll and with the endorsement of his daughter Helen Croll 2013. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Portrait of Mrs Tom Roberts

Who is Lillie Roberts?

Devotion

Talented wife for a talented husband

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

Rosaleen Norton, Witch of Kings Cross

Rennie Ellis

Aussies All
Previous exhibition, 2006

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

Kurt Baier
Kurt Baier
Kurt Baier

Kurt Baier, 1942

Erwin Fabian
Portrait, conte on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2002

Barbara Blackman
Barbara Blackman
Barbara Blackman

Barbara Blackman, 2008

Gorgi Dimcevski
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Barbara Blackman 2009

James Mollison
James Mollison
James Mollison

James Mollison, c. 1973 (printed 2004)

Wesley Stacey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of James Mollison AO 2004

Peter Elliott
Peter Elliott
Peter Elliott

Peter Elliott, 1964

Jon Molvig
Portrait, oil on masonite

Gift of Richard Elliott 2016. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Therese Desmond
Therese Desmond
Therese Desmond

Therese Desmond, 1919-1920

James Burnside
Portrait, watercolour on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Madeleine Howell 2013

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.

David Williamson

David Williamson

In their own words
In their own words

Recorded 1976

A Portrait (Kate Hattam)

Melbourne experience

Magazine article by Diana Warnes, 2007

Diana Warnes explores the lives of Hal and Katherine 'Kate' Hattam through their portraits painted by Fred Williams and Clifton Pugh.

My Favourite Australian

My Favourite Australian

Previous exhibition, 2008

My Favourite Australian is a project developed in collaboration with ABC TV and the people of Australia.

Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky

Paul Grabowsky, 2009

Martin Philbey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Commissioned with funds provided by Patrick Corrigan AM 2009

Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky
Paul Grabowsky

Paul Grabowsky, 2009

Martin Philbey
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Commissioned with funds provided by Patrick Corrigan AM 2009

image not online

Supporters

$5,000 - $9,999
Honour board
Portrait of Professor Graeme Clark

Portraits for Posterity

Previous exhibition, 2006

Drawn from some of the many donations made to the Gallery's collection, the exhibition Portraits for Posterity pays homage both to the remarkable (and varied) group of Australians who are portrayed in the portraits and the generosity of the many donors who have presented them to the Gallery.

Portrait bust of Dr Christine Rivett

A gift for all ages

Magazine article by Rod Kemp, 2003

The then Minister for the Arts and Sport, Rod Kemp, reflects on the value of the Cultural Gifts Program.

Studio of the American & Australasian Photographic Co., Hill End, 1872

A rogue's calling card

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2008

Joanna Gilmour explores the stories behind the ninteenth-century carte de visites of bushrangers Frank Gardiner and Fred Lowry.

Lowitja O'Donoghue
Lowitja O'Donoghue
Lowitja O'Donoghue

Lowitja O'Donoghue, 2006

Robert Hannaford AM
Portrait, oil on canvas

Commissioned with funds donated by BHP Billiton Limited, Rio Tinto Aboriginal Fund, Newmont Australia Limited, Reconciliation Australia, Hon Paul Keating and Hon Fred Chaney 2006

Graeme Murphy
Graeme Murphy
Graeme Murphy

Graeme Murphy, n.d.

Stuart Campbell
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Gift of the Estate of Stuart Campbell 2012

Self portrait with gladioli

Facing Facts

Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2003

Former NPG Director, Andrew Sayers describes the 1922 Self-portrait with Gladioli by George Lambert.

Study for commissioned portrait of HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark (profile head study)

Australian Princess

Magazine article by Katherine Russell, 2005

The full-length portrait of HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark by artist Jiawei Shen, has become a destination piece for visitors.

Margaret Whitlam

Open Air

Portraits in the Landscape
Previous exhibition, 2008

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

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

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.

Barry Humphries

Clifton Pugh

Australians
Previous exhibition, 2005

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

Christos Tsiolkas

Intense identity

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Dr Chistopher Chapman discusses the portrait of Australian author Christos Tsiolkas taken by John Tsiavis.

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

Turia Pitt

2021 Annual Appeal

Annual Appeal

In 2021 the Annual Appeal was focussed on Peter Brew-Bevan's portraits of athletes Turia Pitt, Leisel Jones OAM and Ellie Cole OAM.

Jude Rae, 2016 by Mark Mohell

Jude Rae

Explore The Popular Pet Show

Jude Rae’s high reputation rests on her austere, cerebral still lifes of gas canisters, electric jugs and jars, which she groups and rearranges for paintings that catch their difficult curves and reflections. Her self-portrait’s likewise thoughtfully composed.

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.

Self portrait

Portrait of a Modernist

Magazine article by Dimity Goldie, 2003

The National Portrait Gallery acquired the self-portrait by Grace Cossington Smith in 2003.

Paul Grabowsky

Feel the music

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2010

Dr Christopher Chapman discusses the portrait of Australian composer Paul Grabowsky by photographer Martin Philbey.

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.

Portrait of Henry Vernon Crock AO

Private practice

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2008
David Smith portrayed Dr Henry Crock without the accoutrements of an orthopaedic surgeon, adding to the National Portrait Gallery's collection of eminent Australian medical practitioners.
Brown form with stripes, 1961

Figurative foundation

Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2010

Joanna Gilmour explores the life and art of the Australian artist Janet Dawson.

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.

Dr Fiona Wood AM

The Good Doctor

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2005

Dr Sarah Engledow describes the achievements of internationally renowned burns and trauma surgeon Professor Fiona Wood.

Kinky Night. Impressions Club, 1987

Aussies all

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2006

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

Portrait of Tam Purves

Bonfire of the vanities

Magazine article by Stuart Purves, 2016

Australian Galleries Director Stuart Purves tells the story of two portraits by John Brack.

Hilda Heley, 2015 Peter Wegner

Drawn from life

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2021

Penelope Grist discovers the rich narratives in Peter Wegner’s series of centenarian portraits.

Ma Khin Mar Mar Kyi

My Favourite Australian

Magazine article by Christine Clark, 2009

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

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Annual Appeal

Listed by year
Honour board
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.  

Dr Peter Farrell

Giving and getting

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2006

The exhibition Portraits for Posterity celebrates gifts to the Gallery, of purchases made with donated funds, and testifies to the generosity and community spirit of Australians.

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.

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.

Ken Catchpole

Full time

Magazine article by Alistair McGhie, 2017

Alistair McGhie reminisces about three Australian rugby greats commissioned for the Portrait Gallery collection by Patrick Corrigan AM.

Self portrait, 1954

A sketch for some portraits

Magazine article by Judith Pugh, 2005

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

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.

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.

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.

My father-in-law watering his garden, 1986 by Davida Allen

Lovingly observed

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2009

Sarah Engledow previews the beguiling summer exhibition, Idle hours.

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.

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.

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.

Janice Wakely

Generous Janice

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2013

Dr Sarah Engledow puts four gifts to the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection in context.

Dame Mary Gilmore

Painting writing

Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2007

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

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Portrait Donors

Listed by year
Honour board
Helen Borthwick née Pearson

The personal and the historical

About Face article

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

© National Portrait Gallery 2024
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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia

Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

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

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

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

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency