On 9 August, genealogy platform Ancestry unveiled a selection of portraits from its collection, The Nation’s Family Album, at the newly reopened National Portrait Gallery. The collection compiles amateur portraits taken by and of the British public in a celebration of “the richness and diversity of family stories across Britain through the years”. 

After over 2,200 portraits were submitted to Ancestry.com last year, four finalists were selected by a panel to be displayed at the gallery in London.

“Photographs are a valuable source for family history as they provide a snapshot into the everyday lives and events of our families and ancestors,” said Simon Pearce, family history expert at Ancestry and member of the judging panel.

“When a caption or backstory accompanies a photo, it can be incredibly revealing and invaluable for future generations. This is why we are thrilled to have partnered with the National Portrait Gallery for this initiative. Viewing these images, and understanding the unique stories behind them, is a truly moving experience. The hope is that the display will be a catalyst for families to capture and store their dearest moments for the future.”

Ancestry’s collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery shows a new face of Britain — one that is often overlooked by the country’s artistic institutions. 

“The National Portrait Gallery is home to some of the world’s most famous faces, but nothing feels more rewarding than being able to display and explore the history of Britain’s everyday people,” said Dr Alison Smith, chief curator at the National Portrait Gallery and member of the judging panel. 

“Following the initial launch of the National Portrait Gallery’s 1547 - 2018 collection of paintings, photographs and prints on Ancestry, we are now looking forward to showcasing the stories of various communities throughout the UK as part of The Nation’s Family Album, on display this August.”

Here is a preview of the four finalist portraits on display:

The display will be available to view for free in the Spotlight Space at the National Portrait Gallery until 10 September 2023.

Find out more about the display via the National Portrait Gallery website and about the collection on Ancestry.com.

Images: courtesy of Ancestry.com; David Abbott; Ian George McLean; Stephen Illffe