Adults with Additional Needs

The National Portrait Gallery offers introductory talks, tours and practical activities. These sessions are particularly suitable for community groups and organisations that are new to visiting the Gallery. Past sessions have included partnerships with charities and community groups such as the RNID, RNIB, Mencap, Connect, Look Ahead, St Mungo’s, Sense and Mind.

Led by experienced artists, these sessions are an opportunity to discover the Gallery’s Collection. Each session is tailor-made and includes practical activities. Sessions are available Monday to Friday.

Gallery Sessions
These sessions are free of charge and take place in the Gallery. These informal sessions require no prior knowledge of art and can be made to suit differing abilities and interests.

Choose from the following sessions:

Introduction to the National Portrait Gallery (90 minutes)
The Gallery displays a unique collection of portraits from British history and culture. Using discussion, reproduction of portraits and practical activities find out about this fascinating Collection.

What’s in a Portrait (90 minutes)
Using practical art activities, groups will use the National Portrait Gallery’s Collection to explore the different elements of portraiture - pose, expression, background, accessories and composition.

Outreach Sessions
Outreach sessions are available for groups unable to visit the Gallery.