National Portrait Gallery

What is the course about?

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.



Please note we are unable to guarantee stools in the rooms that we visit so you might have to stand and to walk

between objects.



This course takes place offsite in galleries around London. 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.