The Reference Collection is held in the Heinz Archive and Library and contains more than 80,000 portraits of important and lesser known figures in British history. The majority of these portraits are prints, but the collection also includes drawings, silhouettes, caricatures, paintings, miniatures, medallions and related items.
Introduction to the Reference Collection
An overview including the collection's history and purpose, the Print Collection, extra-illustrated volumes and portraits in other media.
Handlist of names in the Reference Collection
An alphabetically sorted handlist of Collections of portraits, grouped together by name of sitter, maker or theme.
Heinz Archive and Library
Open by appointment to visitors who are interested in any aspect of British portraiture or in the history of the Gallery.
Gallery records
The archive of Gallery Records containing material relating to the Gallery’s activities since its foundation in 1856.
Artists' and research papers
Archive material that has been acquired by the Gallery from external sources because of its relevance to the study of British portraiture.
