Discover portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits. Includes visits to the current temporary exhibitions.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
The National Portrait Gallery houses one of the world's greatest portrait collections. As a collection of British portraits, it is also one of the best places to learn about British history. This course offers an accessible introduction to the Gallery and its collection. Each week we focus on a different aspect of portraiture.
Meeting point to be confirmed within a week of the course start date.
What previous students liked most about their course: “Excellent teacher. Engaging course.” “The tutor - brilliant and knowledgeable about subject. Well prepared and experienced.” “The way the course was taught: friendly, thorough and knowledgeable.”
What will we cover?
This is an exciting time to visit the NPG following the transformational building project that has been taking place over the past three years. Over five weeks we will explore and discuss portraits across time: Tudors; Stuarts; Georgians and the Regency; Victorians; twentieth century and contemporary works.
We will also consider how narratives across time have been reframed, reinterpreted and represented. Who do we want to celebrate in our world today? The course will include a visit to the current tempor ary displays/exhibitions where possible (ticket price, if applicable, is not included in the course fees).
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Recognise different styles and types of portrait
• Describe portraits in the NPG and express an informed personal response
• Demonstrate an understanding of the periods of British history covered by the NPG
• Talk about portraiture with greater confidence.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is not based around lecturing. Each week, we will explore a small number of works from the current displays. Group discussion comprises the main part of each class. The tutor will lead the discussion and ensure that all the students have their say. Personal and individual responses will be valued.
This course takes place offsite in a London gallery. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or behaviours of visitors outside of the course group, gallery closures or fire alarms. Unless you are a wheelchair user, and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between sites and stand for some time while looking at them (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite.) If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning in offsite.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
The course fees do not include entry into the paying temporary exhibitions. You will be informed of any visits to the temporary exhibitions and their fees within a week of the course start date.
You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class.
You might want to invest in a portable gallery stool.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Introduction to Tate Modern Introduction to Tate Britain.
Julie Barlow has a degree in Art History/History from the University of Hull and an MPhil (Fine Arts) from the University of Birmingham. She has worked in a variety of roles at Leighton House, V&A and Tate Gallery before studying for a PGCE and moving into Museum Education. Julie has over twenty years of experience as a freelance lecturer at the National Portrait Gallery working on all areas of the Education Programme and also for the first ten years at the National Gallery and in the last decade at the Wallace Collection.
Leslie PrimoSee moreSee less
Leslie Primo has spent more than 15 years giving lectures to the general public at the National Gallery for the Information and Education departments. During this time he graduated with a degree in History of Art and an MA in Renaissance Studies from Birkbeck, University College of London. In his studies he specialised in early Medieval and Renaissance studies, including, Italian Renaissance Drawing, Art and Architecture in Europe 1250-1400 Art and Architecture in Europe 1400-1500, Medici and Patronage, Narrative Painting in the Age of Giotto, and the work of Peter Paul Rubens focusing on his paintings of the Judgement of Paris, and Greek Myth in paintings. He is also an accredited Art Society lecturer.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/national-portrait-gallery135466National Portrait Galleryhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/b/vb151_1.jpg179179GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Art history/Galleries, collecting & curating/Courses/vm/Courses to do around London2285113611771892167812285117711361653Discover portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits. Includes visits to the current temporary exhibitions. <div data-content-type="html" data-appearance="default" data-element="main">The National Portrait Gallery houses one of the world's greatest portrait collections. As a collection of British portraits, it is also one of the best places to learn about British history. This course offers an accessible introduction to the Gallery and its collection. Each week we focus on a different aspect of portraiture, and the history of Britain represented by groups of portraits from the same period.<br />
Meet on the Ground floor, Ondaatje Wing, at the bottom of the big escalator.<br />
</i> </P></font>.</div>84.93036526National Portrait Gallery179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/b/vb151_1_18.jpgInStockDaytimeMonOff SiteNo longer available5-10 weeksWeekday2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experienceNov 2026Culture, history & humanitiesVB943179179National Portrait Gallery143116179Julie Barlownational-portrait-gallery/vb943-2627Discover portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits. Includes visits to the current temporary exhibitions.0015-FullStillOpen|2026-11-02 00:00:00<p>The National Portrait Gallery houses one of the world's greatest portrait collections. As a collection of British portraits, it is also one of the best places to learn about British history. This course offers an accessible introduction to the Gallery and its collection. Each week we focus on a different aspect of portraiture.<br><br>Meeting point to be confirmed within a week of the course start date.<br><br><strong>What previous students liked most about their course:</strong><br><em>“Excellent teacher. Engaging course.”<br>“The tutor - brilliant and knowledgeable about subject. Well prepared and experienced.”<br>“The way the course was taught: friendly, thorough and knowledgeable.”</em></p>Discover portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits. Includes visits to the current temporary exhibitions.This is an exciting time to visit the NPG following the transformational building project that has been taking place over the past three years. Over five weeks we will explore and discuss portraits across time: Tudors; Stuarts; Georgians and the Regency; Victorians; twentieth century and contemporary works. <br><br>We will also consider how narratives across time have been reframed, reinterpreted and represented. Who do we want to celebrate in our world today? The course will include a visit to the current tempor ary displays/exhibitions where possible (ticket price, if applicable, is not included in the course fees).• Recognise different styles and types of portrait <br><br>• Describe portraits in the NPG and express an informed personal response <br><br>• Demonstrate an understanding of the periods of British history covered by the NPG <br><br>• Talk about portraiture with greater confidence.This course is suitable for all levels. <br><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion.<p>The course is not based around lecturing. Each week, we will explore a small number of works from the current displays. Group discussion comprises the main part of each class. The tutor will lead the discussion and ensure that all the students have their say. Personal and individual responses will be valued.<br><br>This course takes place offsite in a London gallery. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or behaviours of visitors outside of the course group, gallery closures or fire alarms. Unless you are a wheelchair user, and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between sites and stand for some time while looking at them (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite.) If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning in offsite.</p>The course fees do not include entry into the paying temporary exhibitions. You will be informed of any visits to the temporary exhibitions and their fees within a week of the course start date.<br><br>You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class. <br><br>You might want to invest in a portable gallery stool.Introduction to Tate Modern<br>Introduction to Tate Britain.Art historyGalleries, collecting & curatingvirtual3075058National Portrait Gallery179179https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/v/b/vb151_1_19.jpgInStockDaytimeFriOff SiteNo longer available5-10 weeksWeekday2027-01-15T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allJan 2027Culture, history & humanitiesVB151179179National Portrait Gallery143116179Leslie Primonational-portrait-gallery/vb151-2627Discover portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits.0015-FullStillOpen|2027-01-15 00:00:00The National Portrait Gallery houses one of the world's greatest portrait collections. As a collection of British portraits, it is also one of the best places to learn about British history. This course offers an accessible introduction to the Gallery and its collection. Each week we focus on a different aspect of portraiture, and the history of Britain represented by groups of portraits from the same period.<br><br>Meet on the Ground floor, Ondaatje Wing, at the bottom of the big escalator.Discover portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits.The course follows the display of portraits at the NPG which is currently organised into historical periods: Tudors; Stuarts; Georgians and Regency; Victorians; twentieth century and contemporary works. Each class will combine looking at elements of portraiture and thinking about the period of British history under review. Because the NPG is not primarily a collection of art, the course does not focus heavily on art history, however the tutor will present information on the history of art in Britain as part of the background to the study of British portraiture. The course will include a visit to the current temporary exhibitions (ticket price not included in the course fees).• Recognise different styles and types of portrait<br>• Describe portraits in the NPG and express an informed personal response<br>• Demonstrate an understanding of the periods of British history covered by the NPG<br>• Talk about portraiture with greater confidence.This course is suitable for all levels.<br><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<p>The course will be taught with a mixture of gallery-based lecture, group discussion and interactive group activities. Handouts will be provided by your tutor, made available digitally on Google Classroom to support your learning on the course. You will be emailed an invitation to the Google Classroom within one week of the course start date.<br><br>This course takes place offsite at the National Portrait Gallery. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or behaviours of visitors outside of the course group, gallery closures or fire alarms. Unless you are a wheelchair user, and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between sites and stand for some time while looking at them (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite.) If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning in offsite.</p>You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class. You might want to invest in a portable gallery stool.<br><br>Museum entry is free - we will not be visiting paid exhibitions.<p>National Gallery<br>Introduction to Tate Britain<br>The Courtauld: An Introduction</p>Art historyGalleries, collecting & curatingvirtual143179116VB943,VB151NONEMon,Fri02/11/26 - 30/11/2610:45 - 12:4510:4512:455 sessions (over 5 weeks)55-10 weeksWeekdayOSOff SiteJulie Barlow,Leslie PrimoBeginners, Some experience,Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allNo longer available2026-11-02T00:00:00+00:00,2027-01-15T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeNov 2026,Jan 2027Culture, history & humanities179179National Portrait Gallerynational-portrait-gallery/vb943-2627,national-portrait-gallery/vb151-2627Discover portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits. Includes visits to the current temporary exhibitions.,Discover portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits.0015-FullStillOpen|2026-11-02 00:00:00<p>The National Portrait Gallery houses one of the world's greatest portrait collections. As a collection of British portraits, it is also one of the best places to learn about British history. This course offers an accessible introduction to the Gallery and its collection. Each week we focus on a different aspect of portraiture.<br><br>Meeting point to be confirmed within a week of the course start date.<br><br><strong>What previous students liked most about their course:</strong><br><em>“Excellent teacher. Engaging course.”<br>“The tutor - brilliant and knowledgeable about subject. Well prepared and experienced.”<br>“The way the course was taught: friendly, thorough and knowledgeable.”</em></p>,The National Portrait Gallery houses one of the world's greatest portrait collections. As a collection of British portraits, it is also one of the best places to learn about British history. This course offers an accessible introduction to the Gallery and its collection. Each week we focus on a different aspect of portraiture, and the history of Britain represented by groups of portraits from the same period.<br><br>Meet on the Ground floor, Ondaatje Wing, at the bottom of the big escalator.Discover portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits. Includes visits to the current temporary exhibitions.,Discover portraiture and the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Different periods and styles are discussed each week in front of the portraits.This is an exciting time to visit the NPG following the transformational building project that has been taking place over the past three years. Over five weeks we will explore and discuss portraits across time: Tudors; Stuarts; Georgians and the Regency; Victorians; twentieth century and contemporary works. <br><br>We will also consider how narratives across time have been reframed, reinterpreted and represented. Who do we want to celebrate in our world today? The course will include a visit to the current tempor ary displays/exhibitions where possible (ticket price, if applicable, is not included in the course fees).,The course follows the display of portraits at the NPG which is currently organised into historical periods: Tudors; Stuarts; Georgians and Regency; Victorians; twentieth century and contemporary works. Each class will combine looking at elements of portraiture and thinking about the period of British history under review. Because the NPG is not primarily a collection of art, the course does not focus heavily on art history, however the tutor will present information on the history of art in Britain as part of the background to the study of British portraiture. The course will include a visit to the current temporary exhibitions (ticket price not included in the course fees).• Recognise different styles and types of portrait <br><br>• Describe portraits in the NPG and express an informed personal response <br><br>• Demonstrate an understanding of the periods of British history covered by the NPG <br><br>• Talk about portraiture with greater confidence.,• Recognise different styles and types of portrait<br>• Describe portraits in the NPG and express an informed personal response<br>• Demonstrate an understanding of the periods of British history covered by the NPG<br>• Talk about portraiture with greater confidence.This course is suitable for all levels. <br><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. You will be invited to take part in group discussion.,This course is suitable for all levels.<br><br>You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information, and will be invited to take part in group discussion.<p>The course is not based around lecturing. Each week, we will explore a small number of works from the current displays. Group discussion comprises the main part of each class. The tutor will lead the discussion and ensure that all the students have their say. Personal and individual responses will be valued.<br><br>This course takes place offsite in a London gallery. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or behaviours of visitors outside of the course group, gallery closures or fire alarms. Unless you are a wheelchair user, and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between sites and stand for some time while looking at them (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite.) If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning in offsite.</p>,<p>The course will be taught with a mixture of gallery-based lecture, group discussion and interactive group activities. Handouts will be provided by your tutor, made available digitally on Google Classroom to support your learning on the course. You will be emailed an invitation to the Google Classroom within one week of the course start date.<br><br>This course takes place offsite at the National Portrait Gallery. Offsite courses take place during public access hours. Tutors are not able to control sound levels or behaviours of visitors outside of the course group, gallery closures or fire alarms. Unless you are a wheelchair user, and have confirmed access details with us (as levels of access can vary between buildings), you will need to be able to walk between sites and stand for some time while looking at them (you may bring your own portable stool if you have one, but we cannot guarantee access to seating offsite.) If you feel you may be impacted by these environmental variations, please inform the department on humanities@citylit.ac.uk before the course begins, to discuss reasonable accommodations we can make to assist your learning in offsite.</p>The course fees do not include entry into the paying temporary exhibitions. You will be informed of any visits to the temporary exhibitions and their fees within a week of the course start date.<br><br>You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class. <br><br>You might want to invest in a portable gallery stool.,You might wish to bring a notebook. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list given out in class. You might want to invest in a portable gallery stool.<br><br>Museum entry is free - we will not be visiting paid exhibitions.Introduction to Tate Modern<br>Introduction to Tate Britain.,<p>National Gallery<br>Introduction to Tate Britain<br>The Courtauld: An Introduction</p>Art historyGalleries, collecting & curatingconfigurable
