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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.

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Portrait stories

'The portraits of Captain Cook'

An interview with Betty Churcher

Betty Churcher describes the creation of the portrait of Captain James Cook in the National Portrait Gallery.

Phrenology video: 3 minutes 25 seconds

Ned Kelly and death masks

'Judge a person by their cover'

Alexandra Roginski explains the history behind the pseudo-science of phrenology.

Tom Carroll

Regarded as one of the greatest surfers of all time, Tom Carroll describes his career.

Akira Isogawa

Inside the patterns

Iconic Australian fashion designer, Akira Isogawa discusses the development of his unique style.

Tan Le

'So many stars'

Tech entrepreneur Tan Le and photographer John Tsiavis.

Michael Leunig

'Drawing the human spirit'

Philosopher, cartoonist and national treasure, Michael Leunig discusses his art.

Aldo Giurgola

by Mandy Martin

Romaldo Giurgola talks about his portrait and the relationship between architecture and landscape.

Cadel Evans

'I believed in myself'

Australian champion cyclist Cadel Evans discusses his career.

Ken Done

'I am very Sydney'

Iconic Australian artist Ken Done discusses his life and career as a painter.

Marilyn Darling interview video: 2 minutes

Marilyn Darling

by Anne Zahalka

Marilyn Darling talks about the creation of her portrait, and the photographic process.

Christos Tsiolkas

'Learning to write saved my life'

Acclaimed Australian author, Christos Tsiolkas describes his childhood and how he came to write.

Jacqueline Mitelman

'Buddha-nature'

Australian photographer, Jacqueline Mitelman, discusses her process for creating portraiture.

Peter Sculthorpe

'Brings in the sun'

Legendary Australian composer, Peter Sculthorpe, describes the development of his career.

Kate Grenville

'The secret river'

Kate Grenville reads a passage from her novel The secret river and describes its creation.

Mark Webber

'You've got to make of it what you will'

Champion racing driver, Mark Webber, discusses his childhood and racing career.

Shane Gould

'Swimming is in my bones'

Shane Gould, Australian champion and Olympic gold medallist talks about her passion for swimming.

© National Portrait Gallery 2025
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