Hear and read detailed audio descriptions of artworks from our Collection as we turn the visual into the verbal. Each artwork on this website with an AD icon is accompanied by an audio recording and description transcript. Some portraits also have additional material, such as Portrait Story videos, Portrait Magazine articles and recordings from our In their own words audio app.
Audio descriptions offer an understanding of what’s being represented visually; creating equal access to arts and cultural experiences for people who are blind or have low vision. They can also be enjoyed by all visitors, offering a slow and close-looking experience for anyone interested in art.
This project began in 2019 when our staff undertook immersive training with Access2Arts in how to write audio descriptions. This collaboration continues with descriptions written by our trained staff and edited by Access2Arts.
We’re committed to providing a welcoming and accessible experience for all our visitors both online and onsite. To do this, we’ll continue to add new audio descriptions to our website, deliver face-to-face tours and develop a new app for onsite or outreach visitors so they can access all available audio material.
We welcome feedback on all our programs, and advice on how they can be further developed to make them accessible to more people.
The National Portrait Gallery warmly thanks Access2Arts for their training, editing and recording support.
Visit us, learn with us, support us or work with us! Here’s a range of information about planning your visit, our history and more!
We depend on your support to keep creating our programs, exhibitions, publications and building the amazing portrait collection!
COVID-19 information, location, accessibility and amenities.
