The National Portrait Gallery Archive
dates back to the foundation of the gallery itself in 1856. It was initially
set up to assist those who worked in the gallery in their research endeavours. The
new modern building for the archive is in the street behind the main building,
on Orange Street. It is now open to the public, by appointment.
The archive concentrates on cataloguing
the production of works surrounding eminent British men and women who either
produced, or sat for the printed image. Icono-graphically rich in every
direction you turn, the archive contains over 6,000 reproductions of images
from collections all over the world. They are arranged in boxes of sitters and
artists, each box crammed with rare reproductions, and details of where the
work is currently located. This is a process continually being updated, and
working there you can often see volunteers (some I recognise from university!)
helping to catalogue the never-ending conveyer belt of works being sold at
auction houses.
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| The National Portrait Gallery. The Heinz Archive is to the right of the main building, down Orange Street. |
Alongside this resource is a reference
collection which boasts more than 800,000 items, drawings, prints and caricatures
among many others. If that’s not enough to interest you, then the library also
stocks over 35,000 reference books, catalogues and periodicals. One of the best
things about the archive is that, unlike many of the other reference libraries
in London, you do not have to fight tooth and nail for a copy or wait two days
for it to be taken out of stores. It is there ready at your fingertips.
Finally, I must say that the Heinz
Archive is a lovely place to work, quiet and full of interesting professionals
to work alongside. It is well laid out and easy to navigate. If you find your
mind wandering, there is a nice Hoppner on one wall, and a portrait of Shelley
on another, both there to interest and inspire. No drab concrete walls here.
The staff are friendly and always go out of their way to help you and make your
job easier (which is more than I can say for the staff at the British Library).
So, calling all art students, researchers, and professionals, do not miss out
on this fantastic resource in the heart of London!
The Heinz Archive is open to anyone needing to study works relating to British portraiture. Open by appointment only.
Open Tuesday- Friday 10.00-17.00
Enquiries: archive@npg.org.uk
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