NPG - Laurence Gifford Holland, NPG Clerk, papers

The papers of Laurence Gifford Holland (1850-1893), Clerk Assistant at NPG from 1883-1893, document his activity during employment at the gallery in ten sketchbooks, one diary, two cash and notebooks and one further notebook.

The sketchbooks demonstrate Holland's recording of portraits seen at auction houses, private residences, country houses and public museums. They contain sketches, written descriptions and occasional details of provenance. Holland's diary records his daily duties at the gallery, while his cash and note books record various accounts in addition to notes which record portrait styles, iconography, observations and thoughts about artists, sitters, schools and artistic techniques. A further notebook elaborates on these latter note forms.

Laurence Gifford Holland (1850-1893) was the grandson of Lord Gifford. He joined the National Portrait Gallery as Clerk Assistant in 1883 and remained in post until his death. He had many interests outside of work including serving as a Captain of the Post Office Regiment, being an active member of the Conservative Club, and a founder of the Bethnal Green dramatic society. Holland died during volunteer manouvres on a field day in Aldershot on 15 Aug 1893.

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.

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

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