This series contains Visitor Books for 1974-2008. Visitor Books were not kept before 1974 and Visitor Books for 1976-1987 and 1999-2001 are missing. Visitor Books were discontinued in Mar 2008 when a visitor agreement form was introduced, which visitors signed for copyright and Data Protection reasons.
Visitor Books give the date and the name, address, and subject of research of visitors to the Archive and Library.
The National Portrait Gallery Archive and Library dates back to the foundation of the Gallery, and was created as a reference library to assist the research of Gallery staff. Members of the public did not have access to the Archive and Library until the opening of the St. Martin's Place building in 1896, as before then there had not been enough space. No record of visitor numbers was kept until 1913, by which time the Archive and Library was also answering enquiry letters from the public.
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.
