The National Portrait Gallery’s (www.npg.org.uk) overall aim is ‘to promote through the medium of portraits the appreciation and understanding of the men and women who have made and are making British history and culture, and …to promote the appreciation and understanding of portraiture in all media’.The National Portrait Gallery houses the finest collection of portraits in the world, offering a unique insight into the men and women who have shaped British culture from the Middle Ages to the present day. It seeks to be outstanding in what it does – from learning programmes and visitor services to acquisitions, staff development and research.  The Gallery now attracts more than 1.8 million visitors each year, and is one of the country's most important and popular galleries.