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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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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.

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.

Robert Drewe

An interview with Nicholas Harding

Artist Nicholas Harding talks about what was captured in his portrait of Robert Drewe.

Nicholas Harding

'A portrait of Hugo Weaving'

Artist Nicholas Harding talks about how he became interested in portraiture, and his motivation in painting Hugo Weaving.

Akira Isogawa

Inside the patterns

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

Helena Rubinstein in a red brocade Balenciaga gown

Helena Rubinstein in a red brocade Balenciaga gown

Helena Rubinstein in a red brocade Balenciaga gown

Helena Rubinstein in a red brocade Balenciaga gown, 1957

Graham Sutherland

Portrait, oil on canvas

Purchased with funds provided by Marilyn Darling AC, Tim Fairfax AC and the Sid and Fiona Myer Family Foundation 2015

Kate Grenville

'The secret river'

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

Kate Grenville

'Making Stories'

Australian writer Kate Grenville discusses her career and portrait by Jenny Sages.

'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.

Betty Churcher

'Blockbuster Betty'

Betty Churcher discusses her career as the Director of the National Gallery of Australia.

Penny Sackett

From Earth to Sky

Professor Penny Sackett, Australian National University and former Chief Scientist for Australia (2008-2011) talks about her life in science.

Penny Sackett and Andrew Mezei

From Earth to Sky

Professor Penny Sackett and artist Andrew Mezei describe the process behind making the portrait.

Portrait stories

A selection of audiovisual stories about the artists and subjects in the National Portrait Gallery's collection.

Mark Richards

No choice, you’re going surfing, son

Australian surfing legend Mark Richards describes his professional surfing and surfboard shaping careers.

Tom Carroll

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

National Portrait Gallery

History

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

© 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