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.

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How Your Support Has Helped

The Wellington Appeal

After a successful fundraising appeal the Gallery was able to announce that it had secured Sir Thomas Lawrence’s last portrait of the first Duke of Wellington.

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Saved: Van Dyck’s Self-portrait

Sir Anthony Van Dyck's final self-portrait has been bought by the National Portrait Gallery, following the success of a public appeal by the Gallery and the Art Fund.

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Past appeals

Appeals that we have made to secure great portraits for the Nation.

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Scientific techniques

Watch our playlist exploring scientific techniques used by the Gallery to unlock the secrets behind our Tudor portraits.

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Subjects and themes

Search the collection by themes - from pets to weddings!

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Black History Month

Take a tour exploring our Collection created by Alayo Akinkugbe for Black History Month in 2020.

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A Picture of Health

Learn about pioneers in medicine, health and social reform from 1840 to 1920.

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