National Portrait Gallery

Founded in 1896 the National Portrait Gallery (www.npg.org.uk) is one of the best art galleries in London. It's just north of Trafalger Square and a great place to drop in if you are in central London. It holds over 160,000 portraits dating from current times back to the 16th Century. The majority are paintings but it also displays photographs and some mixed media installations. The gallery hosts the annual BP Portrait Awards, definitely worth a visit. There is nearly always an interesting specialist exhibition. The basement café is a good place to meet, and there is also a fairly decent restaurant on the top floor. If you can't make it to London, the website is a good alternative, easy to navigate, full of information and good links. If you see an image you want to use on your website or in a publication you can apply online for a licence.