About the Gallery

WHAT’S ON

September - November 2012

Welcome

About the Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery, founded in 1856, is home to the largest collection of portraits in the world, with works dating from the Middle Ages to the present day. With over 1,000 portraits on display visitors can come face to face with the people who have shaped British history and culture, from Elizabeth I and Charles Dickens to The Beatles and David Beckham. Artists featured range from Holbein to Hockney, and the Collection includes work across all media, from painting and sculpture to photography and video.

Audio Visual Guide £3

Available from the Information Desk in English, French,German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Featuringinteractive maps, short films, exclusive interviews andthemed tours. Family Audio Visual Guides are alsoavailable, charges apply.

Gallery App £1.19

Available from iTunes. A perfect addition to yourvisit with video introductions, Collection highlightsand floorplans.

Portrait Explorer – Digital Space

Explore the Collection using the interactive touchscreensto create your own tours, watch interviews

with artists and sitters, and discover more aboutyour favourite portraits.

Map Suggested donation £1

Pick up a map to help plan your visit, including ideas for30 min highlights to an in-depth two hour exploration.

Visitor Guide £5

Available from the Gallery Shop. Highlights keyportraits through high-quality colour reproductionsand fascinating stories.

Exhibitions

The Queen: Art & Image

Until 21 October 2012

Sponsored by Taylor Wessing

The Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2012 is a unique opportunity to see new works by some of the most exciting contemporary portrait photographers from around the world.

The selected images, many of which will be on display for the first time, explore a range of themes, styles and approaches, from formal commissioned portraits of public figures to more spontaneous and intimate moments capturing friends and family.

Tickets £2

Free for Gallery Supporters

Exhibition catalogue £15 paperback.

Last admission is 45 mins before the Gallery closes.

Membership

Enjoy unlimited free entry to all of our exhibitions, including The Queen: Art & Image and The Lost Prince: The Life and Death of Henry Stuart, without needing to pre-book.

More great reasons to join now:

- Special Members-only Evening Private Views and Afternoon Previews

- 10 % discount in the Gallery’s Shops, Portrait Restaurant and Portrait Café

- Discount on Gallery event tickets

From just £40 by Direct Debit for the first year. Join online at call 020 7321 6281 or visit the Gallery

in person.

Displays

All Gallery displays are free

The changing programme of displays provides fresh opportunities to discover the Gallery’s rich and varied collections. The displays highlight a range of themes, sitters and artists, as well as significant anniversaries and acquisitions.

Floor 2

Room 1

Early English Kings

A selection of electrotype copies of effigies from the tombs of the Plantagenet kings.

Until 6 January 2013

Road to 2012: Aiming High

Ondaatje Wing Main Hall, Rooms 33, 35, 39, 39a, 40 and Bookshop Gallery

The final exhibition of the National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 project. New portraits by Anderson & Low, Jillian Edelstein and Nadav Kander are shown alongside highlights from previous years’ commissions. In partnership with BT.

Until 23 September

Floor 2

Room 1

Early English Kings

A selection of electrotype copies of effigies from the tombs of the Plantagenet kings.

Until 6 January 2013

Room 16

Queens-in-Waiting: Charlotte & Victoria

Depicting a female ‘heir to the throne’: the fatefulhistory of Princess Charlotte of Wales and PrincessVictoria (later Queen).

Until 14 October

Room 16

The Art of Drawing:Portraits from the Collection,1670–1780

From pencil to pastel,drawing is a diverse art.This display explores its changing status, methodsand purposes in a periodwhen drawing wasbecoming a fashionableform of portraiture.

From 19 October

Floor 1

Room 23: case display

Viceroys of India

The changing face of this quasi-royal role from themid-nineteenth century.

Until 16 December

Room 24: case display

The Tichborne Trials

The main protagonists inthe story of the TichborneClaimant, which promptedtwo of the longest trials in English legal history,and captivated Victorian popular imagination.

Until 21 October

Room 24

Victorian Masquerade

Explores the fashion for fancy dress in the 19thcentury with portraits of the royal family, aristocratsand artists in period costume.

From 22 October

Room 25: case display

Olympic Encounters in 1908

Photographs by Benjamin Stone of the AmericanOlympic team visiting the House of Commons.

Until 15 January 2013

Room 28: case display

Artist and Evangelist: Lives Remembered

Commemorating the centenary of the deaths of theVictorian painter Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema and theSalvation Army’s founder, William Booth.

Until 24 March 2013

Room 29: case display

Samuel Coleridge Taylor 1875–1912

Marking the centenary of the death of the Londonborn composerand conductor.

Until 17 March 2013

Room 31: wall case

Gertie Millar: From Stage to Society

Celebrating the life of Gertie Millar, the reigningstar of musical comedy in the Edwardian era.

Until 16 December

Room 31

Famous in the Fifties: Photographs by Daniel Farson

Picture Post photographer, pioneering televisionpresenter, biographer and Soho figure.

Until 16 September

Room 31

The Bloomsbury Poet & The Cambridge

Photographer: Julian Bell and Lettice RamseyExplores Bell’s friendship with Ramsey, marking thepublication of Peter Stansky’s revised biography.

From 17 September

Room 31

Cambridge Connections:Photographs by Antony Barrington Brown

A tribute to the career of Antony Barrington Brown

(1927–2012).

Until 16 September

Room 31

Bob Collins: Shooting Stars

Rare colour photographs of 1950s entertainers,including Harry Corbett with Sooty and Petula Clarkwith Frankie Vaughan, highlight the recentlycatalogued collection of photographs by Bob Collins.

From 17 September

Room 32

Thomas Struth

Family portraits exploring human relationships bythe leadingGerman photographer.

Until 20 January 2013

Room 32

Spotlight on Peter Rand

Ten recently acquired photographs from 1963–1969 taken by Vogue photographer Peter Rand.

Until 16 September

Room 32

Neil Libbert: Photojournalist

Photographs celebrating the career of the eminentphotojournalist, including portraits of JayneMansfield with TUC leaders, and Francis Bacon.

From 17 September

Room 33

Marilyn Monroe:A British Love Affair

Photographs andmagazine covers from1946–62 celebrate thetransformation of theworld’s most popularpin-up to acclaimedactress, highlighting theBritish photographers andpersonalities who admiredand worked with her.

From 29 September

Floor 0

Room 37 and 37a

Poetry of Motion

Contemporary sculpture, new media and painting,exploring the ways in which artists have portrayedathletes and Olympians, dancers and choreographers.

Until 25 November

Room 38a

On Paper: Portraits of Writers

Writers of fiction, philosophy, history and poetry,portrayed in rarely seen contemporary works.

Until 3 March 2013

Room 40

Mario Testino:British Royal Portraits

Photographs of the RoyalFamily taken between2003 and 2010, includingthe engagementphotographs of the Dukeand Duchess of Cambridge.

From 3 October

Room 41 and 41a

Humphrey Ocean: A handbook of modern life

A selection from Ocean’s ambitious ‘1000 Portraits’project, suggested by friend Ian Drury. Oceancaptures sitters’ individuality in simple forms andbold colour.

From 23 November

Floor -3

Bookshop Gallery

Fred Daniels: Cinema Portraits

Portraits of the leading filmstars of the 1930s, 40s and50s, including Vivien Leigh,James Mason and Anna MayWong, form a tribute to theearly film star photographer,Fred Daniels (1892–1959).

From 28 September

Families

Families are welcome at the Gallery allyear round. With regular free eventsand activities on offer there are plentyof opportunities to be creative andexplore together.Join Storytelling sessions inspired by the Collection,take part in Family Art Workshops with hands-onactivities including drawing, painting andanimation, or find out fascinating facts and storieswith our interactive Family Audio Guide.New free resources include a trail and sketch bookwith ideas and fun activities for all the Family.Free to pick up at the Information Desk.For a full listing of Family activities at theGallery please see the Calendar or visit

Young People

Showcase your talent, develop yourskills, be creative and meet other

young people interested in art.

Our free events for 14 – 21-year-olds includeworkshops during school holidays, SundaySessions at the beginning of each month, anda variety of drop-in activities with professionalartists, dancers, designers, animators, actorsand photographers, responding to the Gallery’sCollection and exhibitions.

Join our Youth Forum, a peer-led panel ofyoung people who help organise events andworkshops, give talks and act as a steering groupfor the Gallery.

Find us on Facebook. To find out more email or visit

Late Shift

Enjoy art, music, drinks, tours, talks and workshops

Thursdays and Fridays 18.00 – 21.00

Admission Free

Late Shift in partnership with FTI Consulting

At the culmination of this historic year forBritain, join Late Shift t as we ask – whatmakes a nation?

International artists Hew Locke and ChrisLevine discuss monarchy and identity inregard to their portraits of The Queen in ourcurrent exhibition.

Professor Catherine Hall curates a series ofconversations on the relationship betweenBritain and its empire. The season challenges thestory of the nation created by Victorian historians,such as Macaulay, and examines the Gallery’splace in this narrative.

In November Sir Roy Strong illustrates theimportance of Prince Henry in the creation of acultural nation in the 17th century, the legacies ofwhich are still with us today.

In celebration of the Big Draw 2012 be inspired byartists and performers as our Back to the DrawingBoard Late Shift Extra explores contemporaryportraiture.

The literary conversations flow as A.S. Byatt, MargaretDrabble, Philip Hensher and David Harsent exploreportraits in paint and prose.

Don’t miss our regular free activities, including drop-indrawing sessions, themed Gallery tours and live music, andenjoy 2 for 1 drinks at the Late Shift Bar with your ticket toThe Queen and The Lost Prince.

Events Calendar

All events are free unless otherwise stated

For further information on allevents at the Gallery please visit

Places on our free events are allocated on afirst come, first served basis and are subjectto availability.Lower ticket price for concessions andGallery Supporters.

Ticket booking

Visit the website, call 020 7306 0055or visit the Gallery in person.

Young People’s Events

(14 – 21-year-olds)

To book places in advance please or call 020 7312 2483.

Family Events

Storytelling No ticket required.Sessions last approximately 45 minutes.For ages 3+ and their carers.

Family Art Workshops Free ticket required, availableone hour before the event starts on a first come, firstserved basis. Sessions last approximately 90 minutes.For ages 5+ and their carers.

Portrait of the Day

A talk on a chosen portrait in the Gallery’s Collection,check signage on the day for details.

Workshops and Drop-in Drawing

Suitable for all levels, materials are provided.

Lectures are held in the Ondaatje Wing Theatre.

Programme is subject to change; please check the website before visiting.

September

Saturday 1 September

12.00 Portrait of the Day

Sunday 2 September

13.00 – 16.00 Sunday Session Pop Prints

Inspired by Warhol’s screen-prints in The Queen,create prints with artists Alison Kusner and DawnPurkiss. For ages 14 – 21.

15.00 Gallery Talk Highlights of the Collection

With historian Lucinda Hawksley.

Thursday 6 September

13.15 Lecture The Regicides of King Charles I

Charles II avenged his father’s murder in an epic manhunt. Find out more with writers Don Jordan and Michael Walsh.

18.00 – 20.45 Resident DJ Edward Otchere

Vinyl set inspired by our current exhibitions.

19.00 In ConversationAnderson & Low on theRoad to 2012

International photographersJonathan Anderson and EdwinLow talk about their approachto portraiture and the Road to2012 project.

19.30 Exhibition Tour BP Portrait Award 2012

Enjoy the highlights of this contemporaryportrait exhibition.

Free tour ticket required, available from 18.00 on the day.

Friday 7 September

18.30 Live Music Maya Youssef

Award-winning Kanun player and educator, Youssefperforms an exciting solo programme.

18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in Drawing

Get creative in our free artist-led class withRobin Lee Hall.

19.30 Gallery Talk Introductory Tour

A whistle stop tour of highlights in the Collection, theGallery’s history and top tips for enjoying your visit.

Saturday 8 September

12.00 Portrait of the Day

Sunday 9 September

15.00 Gallery Talk The British Empire

Historian James Hicks introduces some of the peopleinvolved and explores imagery in the portraits.

Thursday 13 September

13.15 Lecture Octavia Hill: Activist, Social Reformer & Environmentalist

To mark the centenary of Hill’sdeath, cultural commentatorSamuel Jones celebrates herlasting legacy including changesin social housing and foundingthe National Trust.

18.00 – 20.45 DJ

Listen and unwind at the Late Shift Bar.

19.00 Lecture Portraits of Writers: David Harsent on Seamus Heaney

£5/£4

Inspired by the current displayOn Paper: Portraits of Writers,poet David Harsent discussesthe work of Seamus Heaney.In partnership with the Royal Society of Literature.

19.30 Gallery Talk

Everything you wanted to know about the Stuarts,but were afraid to ask...

In just 30 minutes.

Friday 14 September

18.30 Live Music Dunya Trio

Music from the Eastern Mediterranean andMiddle East.

18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in Drawing

Take inspiration from the Gallery and get creativewith artist Viyki Turnbull.

19.30 Exhibition Tour BP Portrait Award 2012

Enjoy the highlights of this contemporary portraitexhibition.Free tour ticket required, available from 18.00 on the day.

Saturday 15 September

10.30 Storytelling for Families

Followed by a fun art activity.

11.30 Family Art Workshops

Explore portraits in the Collection, followedby an art activity.

12.00 Portrait of the Day

13.30 Storytelling for Families

Followed by a fun art activity.

14.30 Family Art Workshops

Explore portraits in the Collection, followedby an art activity.

Sunday 16 September

15.00 Gallery Talk Soldiers of the Crown

Join historian Lesley Rivett to explore the portraitsof military figures past and present.

Thursday 20 September

13.15 Lecture Are you sitting comfortably?

Artist and art historian Liz Rideal explores chairsas a key ingredient for poses in portraits, fromQueen Elizabeth I to Christine Keeler.

18.00 – 20.45 Resident DJ Edward Otchere

Vinyl set inspired by our current exhibitions.

19.00 Lecture The Changing Faces of Fame

£5/£4

How have perceptions of fame been influencedby portraiture? Rob Dickins, who has worked withcelebrities for over 40 years, takes us from Wattsto Warhol and from Garbo to Gaga.

19.30 Gallery Talk A Photographer’s Eye

Road to 2012 photographer Jillian Edelsteinhighlights portraits which have influenced her work.

Friday 21 September

18.30 Live Music Tomorrow’s Warriors

Hip big band jazz by the coolest and most diverseyouth jazz orchestra in the country.

18.30 – 20.30 Drop-in Drawing

Get creative in our free artist-led class withMarc Woodhead.

18.30 – 20.30 Workshop Painting in the Studio

£10

Taking inspiration from the BP Portrait Award,join this artist-led portrait painting session.

19.30 Gallery Talk Road to 2012

Katherine Green talks about her experiencesphotographing sporting community groups inEast London, as part of the Road to 2012 project.

Saturday 22 September

12.00 Portrait of the Day

14.30 – 17.00 Walk The Image of Royalty

£15/£12

Walk through Westminster exploring what thebuildings and statues can tell us about thechanging face of the monarchy. Led by LondonBlue Badge Guide Sarah Ciacci.Includes tour and ticket for The Queen exhibition.