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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.

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Portrait stories

Captain Cook

'The photojournalists of their time'

An exploration of the role of artists such as John Webber who, whilst a member of Cook’s crew over many voyages, created paintings and drawings of the situations and people the explorers encountered.

'The portraits of Captain Cook'

An interview with Betty Churcher

Betty Churcher describes the creation of the portrait of Captain James Cook in the National Portrait Gallery.

Michael Leunig

'Drawing the human spirit'

Philosopher, cartoonist and national treasure, Michael Leunig discusses his art.

Michael Hutchence by Harry Borden

An interview with photographer Harry Borden about his portrait of Michael Hutchence.

Michael Peck

'I've been interested in realism for forever'

Artist Michael Peck describes the evolution of his painting style and the creation of his striking portrait of Neale Daniher.

The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG

'Radical Restraint'

The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG interviews the artist who painted his portrait, Ralph Heimans.

Quentin Bryce

'To change the world'

Australia's 25th Governor-General, Quentin Bryce, discusses her childhood, career paths and her portrait by Michael Zavros.

Michael Riley's portraits

Linda Burney, Brenda Croft and Darrell Sibosado share memories of Michael Riley and his photographic practice.

Chrissy Amphlett

'I was never submissive'

An interview with the iconic Australian rocker Chrissy Amphlett.

© National Portrait Gallery 2026
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Canberra, ACT 2600, Australia
Phone +61 2 6102 7000
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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 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