Skip to main content
Menu

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.

10pm-1am # 7, 2006 by Simon Obarzanek

10pm-1am # 7, 2006

by Simon Obarzanek
Image
Janai and Josh, 2011 by Simon Harsent

Janai and Josh, 2011

by Simon Harsent
Image
Stephen Dupont, 2018 by Simon Harsent

Stephen Dupont, 2018

by Simon Harsent
Image
Nell Gwyn, c. 1680 Simon Verelst

Nell Gwyn

Simon Verelst
Image
Betty Cuthbert

Hop, skip, shoot

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2004

Former NPG Deputy Director, Simon Elliott talks with Ern McQuillan about his life and career as a sports photographer.

Jørn Utzon

With a Little Help from my Friends

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2004

The story behind the acquisition of the portrait of Danish architect Jørn Utzon.

Ron Grainer

Dr Who?

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2002

It is not well known that the person who composed the famous theme music for the BBC's Doctor Who series was Australian Ron Grainer.

Simon Tedeschi unplugged
Simon Tedeschi unplugged
Simon Tedeschi unplugged

Simon Tedeschi unplugged, 2002

Cherry Hood
Portrait, watercolour on canvas

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

Simon McKeon
Simon McKeon
Simon McKeon

Simon McKeon, 2012

Dave Tacon
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2012

image not online

Listening to Light, Simon Mordant, 2015

Chloe Vallance
Portrait, synthetic polymer paint, gouache, watercolour, coloured pencil and ink on plywood

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of Mordant Family Collection 2016. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

Portrait of Ingvar Kenne, 2012 by Simon Harsent

Portrait of Ingvar Kenne, 2012

by Simon Harsent
Image
123 Faces, 2002

123 Faces

Magazine article by Magda Keaney, 2002

Magda Keaney examines the 123 Faces project by Simon Obarzanek.

Kylie Kwong
Kylie Kwong
Kylie Kwong

Kylie Kwong, 2003

Simon Griffiths
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Purchased 2005

Bill Leak
Bill Leak
Bill Leak

Bill Leak, 1999

Simon Obarzanek
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph on paper

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2002

Barry Humphries

No Laughing Matter

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2002

The biographical exhibition of Barry Humphries was the first display of its kind at the National Portrait Gallery.

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. 

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.

Daddy Cool, Melbourne

Now Listen...

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2005

Artist Tessa Jones recalls creating her portrait of Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock singer and music producer, Ross Wilson.

Dr John Yu

Clay, water, fire

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2005

Ah Xian's porcelain portrait of paediatrician Dr. John Yu reflects Yu's heritage and interests.

Self portrait

A Singular Line

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2003

A newly acquired work by Stella Bowen adds to the National Portrait Gallery's growing collection of important Australian self-portraits.

Nicole Kidman

9 lives of Karin Catt

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2006

Australian photographer Karin Catt has shot across the spectrum of celebrity, her subjects including rock stars, world leaders and actors.

Harry Seidler, Killara, Sydney

A Captured Moment

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2001

The acquisition of David Moore's archive of portrait photographs for the National Portrait Gallery's collection.

Paul Kelly

Before Too Long

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2004

The story behind the creation of the portrait of singer-songwriter Paul Kelly by the artist Jon Campbell.

Portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2002

The story behind the commissioning of the tapesty portrait of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch.

True Stories - Helen Garner

True Stories

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2005

The story behind the creation of the portrait of Helen Garner by Jenny Sages.

Professor Peter Doherty

A Meeting of Great Minds

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2002

The story behind Rick Amor's portrait of Professor Peter Doherty.

3 Mordants
3 Mordants
3 Mordants

3 Mordants, 2011

Adam Cullen
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the Mordant Family 2013
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

The Haigh family
The Haigh family
The Haigh family

The Haigh family, c. 1996

an unknown artist
Portrait, type C photograph on paper

Gift of the Haigh family 2005

Herb Wharton, Cunnamulla, Qld

Thousand mile stare

Magazine article by Simon Elliott, 2004

John Elliott talks about his photographic portrait practice, including his iconic image of Slim Dusty arm-in-arm with Dame Edna Everage.

Respite (Simon Yates – acrobat), 2019 John Skillington

Respite (Simon Yates – acrobat), 2019

John Skillington
Image

Liam Nunan and Guy Simon

In Conversation
General content

Darling Prize finalist Liam Nunan and actor Guy Simon discuss the portrait, their friendship and the intensity of the acting life.

In Conversation

Liam Nunan and Guy Simon, 31st July 2020
Recorded virtual programs

Darling Portrait Prize finalist Liam Nunan and actor Guy Simon discuss their portrait, their friendship and the intensity of the acting life.

Portrait of Ingvar Kenne, 2012 by Simon Harsent

Simon Harsent

Finalist interviews

I like to think I'm an artist who uses photography as my medium, but I work commercially as a photographer and it's my full time occupation so I guess that defines me as a photographer or maybe a commercial artist?

Three lemons for Simon, 2022 David Darcy

Three lemons for Simon

David Darcy
Image
Simon, Docklands, 2018 by Alan Weedon

Simon, Docklands, 2018

by Alan Weedon
Image
Portrait of Ingvar Kenne, 2012 by Simon Harsent

Finalist interviews

General content

Interviews with NPPP 2013 finalists Melanie Faith Dove, Simon Harsent, Ahmad Sabra, Sharon Zwi, Katherine Bennett, Krystal Seigerman, Arianne McNaught, Janet Tavener, Louise Whelan, Myles Nelson and Heather Corrigan.

Post-show blues, 2019 Liam Nunan

Post-show blues, 2019

Liam Nunan
Image
Yhonnie and Indiana, 2012 by Janelle Low

NPPP 2013 learning resource

Learning resource archive

Exploring select works from the NPPP 2012. For secondary students.

Portrait of Diana Pockley
Portrait of Diana Pockley
Portrait of Diana Pockley

Portrait of Diana Pockley, c. 1945

Thea Proctor
Portrait, watercolour and pencil on paper

Gift of Dr Simon Pockley in memory of Diana Pockley 2023. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program.

David Campese II

Sporting Archibald

Previous exhibition, 2000
Celebrating the focus on sport during 2000, this special exhibition features our national sporting heroes and heroines immortalised on canvas
Peter Garrett by Karin Catt

Famous

Karin Catt Portraits
Previous exhibition, 2006

Australian photographer Karin Catt has photographed world leaders, a host of rock stars and Oscar-winning compatriots Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, and Cate Blanchett.

David Combe and the portrait
David Combe and the portrait
David Combe and the portrait

David Combe and the portrait, 1983

Keith Looby
Portrait, oil on canvas

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of David Combe 1998
Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program

image not online

David McAllister to join National Portrait Gallery collection

26 April 2016
Archived media releases 2016

Artistic Director of The Australian Ballet, David McAllister AM will join the Portrait Gallery’s national collection in a newly-commissioned portrait taken by illustrious Australian photographer, Peter Brew-Bevan.

Stan Coster, Manilla, NSW

Thousand Mile Stare

Portrait photography by John Elliott
Previous exhibition, 2004

Thousand mile stare provides a unique portrait of people of rural Australia

William Barak at work on the drawing ‘Ceremony’ at Coranderrk
William Barak at work on the drawing ‘Ceremony’ at Coranderrk
William Barak at work on the drawing ‘Ceremony’ at Coranderrk

William Barak at work on the drawing ‘Ceremony’ at Coranderrk, 1902

Johannes Heyer
Portrait, gelatin silver photograph, sepia toned on paper

Purchased with the assistance of funds provided by the Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society 2000

Malcolm Fraser

Country man

Magazine article by Angus Trumble, 2015

Angus Trumble’s tribute to the late Right Honourable Malcolm Fraser.

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.

Finalists announced for National Photographic Portrait Prize

14 November 2018
Archived media releases 2018

The National Portrait Gallery would like to congratulate the forty finalists for the National Photographic Portrait Prize 2019.

King Barak, last of the Yarra Tribe, 1899

Barak, respected elder

Magazine article by Dr Christopher Chapman, 2009

Dr Christopher Chapman looks at the life of Wurundjeri elder William Barak through the portrait painted by Victor de Pury in 1899.

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.

Self Portrait, Stuart Campbell by Stuart Campbell

The essence of you

Magazine article by Lee Tulloch, 2011

Lee Tulloch remembers her great friend NIDA-trained actor turned photographer Stuart Campbell.

Margaret Seares

Margaret Seares, 2018

by Cherry Hood
General content

Commissioned with funds provided by the Sid and Fiona Myer Family Foundation 2018

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

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.

Silent Strength, 2021 Wayne Quilliam

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2022

Previous exhibition, 2022

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

Lyndall Hobbs and Marilyn at the Come as your favourite blonde party, Blitz Club, London, 1979 Robert Rosen

Shiny, happy people

Magazine article by Glynis Jones, 2022

Glynis Jones on the Powerhouse’s retrospective of one of Australia’s foremost fashion reportage and social photographers.

Audience in the Palace Theater c1943

Exposed: Voyeurism Surveillance and the camera since 1870

Magazine article by Sandra Phillips, 2010

The Tate/SFMOMA exhibition Exposed examined the role of photography in voyeurism and how it challenges ideas of privacy and propriety.

In the Lounge, 2006 by North Sullivan

Seduce, Amuse, Entertain

NPPP 2007 exhibition essay
General content

Michael Desmond, National Photographic Portrait Prize judge and curator, introduces the 2007 Prize.

The hunting lodge, 2007

Seduce Amuse Entertain

Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2007

Michael Desmond profiles a handful of the entrants in first National Photographic Portrait Prize and notes emerging themes and categories.

As long as you're here, 2013 by Tony Curran

Touchy touchy

Magazine article by Tony Curran, 2015

Tony Curran ponders whether our phones can change the course of painting.

Peter Wilmoth, age 12, with copies of Our World 1974 Courtesy of the author

Paper, boy

Magazine article by Peter Wilmoth, 2016

Peter Wilmoth’s boy-journalist toolkit for antagonising an Australian political giant.

Jim Cobb at Chroma factory Mt Kuring-gai, NSW, 2017 by Mark Mohell

The alchemist’s profile

Magazine article by John Zubrzycki, 2017

John Zubrzycki meets Australian paint pioneer Jim Cobb.

Woman with Fair Hair and Pink Cardigan, 1949 by John Perceval.

The family scene

Magazine article, 2016

Traudi Allen discovers sensitivity, humour and fine draughtsmanship in the portraiture of John Perceval.

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.

Dave Graney

Naked nostalgia

Magazine article by Penelope Grist, 2016

Penelope Grist reminisces about the halcyon days of a print icon, before the infusion of the internet’s shades of grey.

image not online

Portrait Donors

Listed by year
Honour board
© National Portrait Gallery 2024
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
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