National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery, situated behind the National Gallery, in St. Martin’s Place, holds over 200,000 portraits dating from the 16th century to the present day, telling the story of the nation through pictures of individuals who have contributed to British history or culture throughout the ages.

Although there are several works and self portraits by renowned artists like Turner, Gainsborough, Holbein and Hockney, the images have mainly been chosen because of who the sitter was rather than who created the work, and they are displayed chronologically over a series of rooms.

As well as fine art oil paintings, you will find sculptures, drawings, photographs, caricatures, prints, miniatures and videos. Some portraits capture the personality of the subject perfectly, whilst others are full of symbolism that conveys their power and influence - many are thought provoking, all are worth a look.