National Portrait Gallery

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National Portrait Gallery 12th September 2008

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I really, really loved this gallery. It is pretty easy to find and inside houses many, many magnificent paintings. You can find paintings of contemporary celebrities such as Judi Dench and JK Rowling. The entry fee is free and there is so much to see that it is worth the travel money to get there. Apart from paintings, they also have areas of the gallery devoted to stunning photographs.

Last time I went, there was a Vanity Fair Exhibition, I did want to see this, as it had been quite publicised and the photographs looked beautiful, but the entry fee was over £8!

Artemidor

Delight 4th September 2008

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Compulsory visit if you are visiting London. The Museum is free, so it is great if you are squint at the end of the month. You can begin by visiting the permanent collection, which includes some great portraits since 15th century onwards. Do not miss the twin sisters with their daughters (both of them born on the same day), 15th century. Afterwards, you can navigate from great 19th century portraiture to contemporary artists, such as Bacon. I love the photography section, with great pictures of the Beatles, very natural style.
They are now hosting the BP Portrait Award, a great way to see what contemporary art is doing right now in terms of respresenting people.

Their café offers good quality coffee and hot chocolate. Wine as well.

aybb60

Interesting place with free admission 3rd September 2008

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This is exactly what it says, the national portrait gallery of Great Britain housing some of the best portraits to be seen.

It is located next to Trafalgar square in London and it is free entry for all which makes it particularly attractive for visitors and it is an ideal place to go if the weather is bad and you want to while away the afternoon.

It is also very interesting because the collections cover characters from almost 300 years of history covering many famous people through history up to the modern day.

They also do some every interesting exhibitions within the gallery but you may have to pay a small fee to enter those.

But often they are worth while.

codam

An interesting gallery 1st September 2008

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The National Portrait Gallery adjoins the National Gallery, which is situated on the north side of Trafalgar square. The Museum itself contains portraits of important and famous British people, so it is interesting both from a historical and an artistic perspective. As with most of London’s art galleries, entry to the National Portrait gallery is absolutely free though you may have to pay for any special exhibitions that are on at the time. If you don’t have time, I would say to just visit the National Gallery, but if you do have time the National Portrait gallery is definitely worth a visit!

candyshop

Interesting 22nd August 2008

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Just spent several hours enjoying the National Portrain Gallery. This is a great place to gain a comprehensive look of the Kings and Queens of England, along with other notable historical figures. I suggest starting on the top, then moving down, which follows the flow of the years in which they were painted. Two important hints that the guidebooks won't tell you. Don't get the audio tour- while it is very informative and has some nice voice clips and background information, it isn't necessary. There is sufficient information next to each portrait to have an idea of the person's significance. Secondly, don't miss the only portrait of Jane Austen, which is quite easy to skip. It is tiny, and in a poorly lit case (to protect it from the light). I saw many people walk right by it without noticing, only looking at the larger portraits on the walls. To find the current locations of this portrait, and some of the other famous ones, either look it up beforehand on the web, or look it up on the computers at the museum- the map will not tell you!

shelo9

An amazing gallery in the heart of london 8th May 2007

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It's simple in its content, the gallery is full of portraits - from the royal family, celebrities and ordinary people from around the world.

My favourite room is the tudor room as its my part of history and its so calm. There are no muppet tourists and kiddies running around, pushing and shoving. Total bliss hiding there (and you cant talk on your mobiles!)

The exhibitions over the years have been great as well. I loved the Mario Testino one - you could see clearly why he is such a highly regarded photographer around the world. There is another fashion exhibition starting soon at the NPG with Mario photos again. It will have Kate moss in there (london seems to be obliged to show her photo everywhere), but i'm sure there will be other amazing photos to look at.

I haven't tried the cafe and restaurant but i hhave been to a party upstairs which was very ccool as you get to see over trafalgar sqaure athe south bank which is beautiful at night. IIf you have a chance to go up there, dp it just to see the view!