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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that this website contains images of deceased persons.

In the thick of it

Projecting the splendour of the empire, and the resolve of its subjects, the bust of William Birdwood keeps a stiff upper lip in the National Portrait Gallery.

More information on In the thick of it

Selected images

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General Birdwood, the Idol of Anzac, taking a dip in the sea after a hard days work 1915
General Birdwood, the Idol of Anzac, taking a dip in the sea after a hard days work 1915
Full dress helmet Field Marshal Lord Birdwood, Household Cavalry, c. 1930
Full dress helmet Field Marshal Lord Birdwood, Household Cavalry, c. 1930
Field Marshal the Lord Birdwood
Field Marshal the Lord Birdwood, 1938 Barbara Tribe. © Estate of Barbara Tribe
Sir Isaac Isaacs, 1943
Sir Isaac Isaacs, 1943
4 images
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The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance
The National Portrait Gallery building front entrance

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The National Portrait Gallery building at night
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People walking away from the entrance to the National Portrait Gallery
People walking away from the entrance to the National Portrait Gallery
People walking away from the entrance to the National Portrait Gallery
People walking away from the entrance to the National Portrait Gallery

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© National Portrait Gallery 2026
King Edward Terrace, Parkes
Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
ABN: 54 74 277 1196

The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

The National Portrait Gallery is an Australian Government Agency