The Gallery holds the most extensive collection of portraits in the world. Search over 215,000 works, 150,000 of which are illustrated from the 16th Century to the present day.

Advanced Collection search

CPD & Teachers' Events

Group in display area

Our range of professional development programmes introduce the Gallery as an educational resource, supporting teachers to interpret portraiture and develop ideas for classroom work and Gallery visits.

We offer a CPD programme of practical workshops and exhibition twilights with guest artists and speakers, which give our teaching audiences a special insight into our Collections and exhibitions.

Bookings are essential and non refundable. Please sign up to our termly e-newsletter.

Teacher Twilight

Samuel from the series Lost Summer Alys Tomlinson © Alys Tomlinson

Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2020
Wednesday 10 February 2021 18.00-19.15

Free online event for Teachers

Join our first online teacher twilight event where guest speakers will introduce the Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2020 and explore ways to engage young people with contemporary photographic portraits. During the session we will consider how to develop visual literacy and critical thinking around portraiture for schools including a new photographic portrait resource.

Book your place

Get Creative

Enter our Jubilee family competition

Submit your family’s recreation of a Royal portrait to win some Jubilee goodies

Enter now

Develop your art skills

Discover our BP Next Generation short films made by artists. Follow step by step guides in drawing and painting techniques.

Improve your skills

Hold Still

Hold Still photography workshop

Reflect on your own experiences of lockdown through this easy-to-do from home, photographic exercise. 

Watch the video

Draw Like a Renaissance Master

Revisit The Encounter exhibition and learn about Renaissance and Baroque drawing methods and materials.

Improve your technique