NPG - Small Displays Case Files

This material is held atNational Portrait Gallery Archive

Scope and Content

The small displays case files include records relating to the planning and staging of each display. Given the limited scale of the displays themselves and the fact that works for display are sourced from within the Gallery's own Collections, the records generated for each display can be limited. Where warranted, records have been divided according to the following system:

1. Proposal and planning - including internal correspondence; picture lists; panel texts and captions and other interpretive material.
2. Lenders
3. Financial management - including budget information
4. Design and graphics - including plans; layout; colour schemes; correspondence with designers etc.
5. Education events - including workshop etc material.
6. Publicity events and leaflets - including leaflets; private and press review cards; flyers etc.
7. Visitor information - including visitor figures and comments/feedback
8. Tour

The small displays records also include installation shots in some instances: images taken of the display in situ (i.e. images of how the display looked/the works on display, rather than images of the individual works themselves). Images can include prints, slides, negatives and contact sheets.

Small displays also typically generate the following published/printed material which has been managed and catalogued as the following separate records series: posters and press-cuttings.

Administrative / Biographical History

In the mid 1960's, temporary thematic exhibitions were proving popular and space at the end of Room 30 acted as a temporary space for what were then called Small Exhibitions. Due to their popularity, by 1973 permanent space was allocated in Room 32, also known as the Balcony Gallery. Since then, the programme of Small Displays has extended to other rooms in the Gallery. Today the Gallery schedules many small displays each year, offering a programme of multiple free displays simultaneously.

These displays change frequently and tend to highlight recent acquisitions, short loans into the Gallery from other collections or commemorative events. Displays are routinely organised by Gallery staff and ordinarily involve the Gallery's own Collection, with loans from external collections rarely occurring.

Access Information

Available to view by appointment in the Heinz Archive and Library Public Study Room, to make an appointment contact Archive Reception . Although records are generally available for public consultation, some information in them, such as personal data or information supplied to the Gallery in confidence, may be restricted.

Other Finding Aids

The complete catalogue for this archive can be searched via the NPG Archive Catalogue .

Conditions Governing Use

Personal photography is permitted for research purposes only. Photocopying is not permitted.