© National Portrait Gallery 2025
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196
Judicial portraits
Magazine article by Leslie Moran, 2007
Leslie Moran investigates the portraits of judges in the National Portrait Gallery's collection.
The bright-eyed Mariner
Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2008
A new colonial portrait brings a zealous captain near. 
Penn on paper
Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2009
Michael Desmond discusses Irving Penn's photographic portrait of Nicole Kidman.
Unboxed
Magazine article by Sandra Bruce, 2022
Sandra Bruce explores a new acquisition that has within it a story of interconnectivities in the Australian art world.
Spikes: then and now
Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2006
As part of its ongoing program of commissions of portraits of prominent Australians, the National Portrait Gallery has unveiled a portrait of Her Excellency Marjorie Jackson-Nelson by South Australian artist Avril Thomas.
Promise Fulfilled
Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2006
The life and achievements of Sir Edward Holden, who is represented in the portrait collection by a bust created by Leslie Bowles.
Reflections on castles
Magazine article by Andrew Sayers AM, 2004
Andrew Sayers describes the unique characteristics of the international band of portrait galleries.
Poets' Portraits
Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2005
The Portrait Gallery's paintings of two poets, Les Murray and Peter Porter, demonstrate two very different artists' responses to the challenge of representing more than usually sensitive and imaginative men.
Earth to earth
Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2013
Dr Sarah Engledow discusses the recent gift of works by David Campbell.
Expect the unexpected
Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2019
Joanna Gilmour revels in accidental artist Charles Rodius’ nineteenth century renderings of Indigenous peoples.
More cash than dash
Magazine article by Joanna Gilmour, 2011
Joanna Gilmour describes how colonial portraitists found the perfect market among social status seeking Sydneysiders.
Public hanging
Magazine article by Michael Desmond, 2008
As a convict Thomas Bock was required to sketch executed murders for science; as a free man, fashionable society portraits.
Hyperversity
Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2006
Dr Sarah Engledow writes about the larger-than-life Australian performance artist, Leigh Bowery.
The Lawrence lustre
Magazine article by Angus Trumble, 2019
Angus Trumble salutes the glorious portraiture of Sir Thomas Lawrence.
An actress and her fans
Magazine article by Dr Sarah Engledow, 2008
Dr. Sarah Engledow discovers the amazing life of Ms. Hilda Spong, little remembered star of the stage, who was captured in a portrait by Tom Roberts.
Snap decisions
Magazine article by Robert Cook, 2018
NPPP judge Robert Cook provides irreverent insight into this year’s fare, and having to be a bit judgemental.