Attached to the National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery is an art gallery in its own right. Unsurprisingly -  it focuses on portraits. The foundation aim was to promote through the medium of portraits, the appreciation and understanding of the men and women who have made and are making British history and culture. Which is admirable, but I suspect this is a more politically correct later interpretation (I don't think women had a look in - in 1856).

The collection of portraits at The National Portrait Gallery is the most extensive in the world. In addition to the 11,000 portraits are a further 80,000 reference portraits (mostly prints) and over 220,000 photographs (the majority of which are original negatives).

The more modern works on the ground floor Of the NPG catch the eye as you go in, so it tends to get busy down there. As you work your way up the floors, the numbers thin out and there's more time to take things at your leisure.

There is a tendency for visitors to miss this gallery out, since it doesn't face Trafalgar Square, like the National, so doesn't have the 'frontage' to draw in the crowds. However, do take the time to discover the entrance (up Charing Cross Road - See the map below) and pay a visit. It's an exceptional resource and incredibly popular with Londoners. (You'll find a lot of artists sketching in here). My first visit was, surprise surprise, to escape lashing rain outside in the streets - over 20 years ago. I really should have come here sooner/more often - flitted through my mind at the time. If you're in the centre of town, early for an appointment or need to kill an hour - make your way over. It deserves your attention.

If you're in need of some sit-down refreshment, try the restaurant on the third floor, the 'Portrait Restaurant' - which offers modern British food during the day and on Thursday and Friday evenings, when the gallery enjoys extended opening hours. It has one of the finest views in London. There is a coffee shop for light refreshments too, but that's in the basement and well, it just isn't the same.

Open daily 10.00-18.00, to 21.00 Thursday & Friday.

National Portrait Gallery, St Martin’s Place, London, WC2H 0HE

Call:     +44 (0) 20 7306 0055

 

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