Explore our 125 Portraits online exhibition

As part of our 125th anniversary celebrations, an innovative photographic book and online exhibition tell the stories of 125 people and their relationships with us. Here you can enjoy a selection of these beautiful black and white portraits from the book.

'A Portrait of the National Trust: 125 Stories for 125 Years' was the brainchild of Chris Lacey, our former head of photography, and fellow photographer John Millar.

They wanted to do something special in our 125th anniversary year to capture and celebrate some of the many people that make the National Trust what it is today. The outcome was a remarkable book of black and white portraits, which brings together a diverse group of staff, volunteers, members, donors, tenants and suppliers, and the stories of the places they love.

Read about the volunteers who support our cause in so many ways, like Carlos, who loves talking to people about the conservation work going on at Nuffield Place, Oxfordshire. Discover the unique jobs some staff members have, like Stuart Bowden, a dance instructor at Sutton House, London. Meet supporters, such as Linda Smith, the lifetime member who's visited all 500+ places listed in the National Trust Handbook – multiple times.

Here we share some of these special and personal stories. We also take you behind the scenes to uncover more about the creation of the portraits and explore more of our photography connections.

" We shot in colour and adjusted it afterwards. Black and white photography is very stylish, and I think its use acts as a great leveller. "

Portraits and stories showcase

Arjun Dutta, Thisbe and Cecily Weaver, and Matthew Oates

Volunteer portraits  

Get to know some of the amazing people who support our cause, from urban rangers to shop assistants, with this selection of six volunteer portraits.

Robert Floyd, Terry Rhodes and Georgia Burbridge

Supporter portraits  

From members and visitors to trustees and donors, meet some of the people whose commitment allows us to continue our work with this selection of six portraits celebrating our supporters.

Junko Wright, Stuart Bowden and Rachel Brewer

Staff portraits  

The jobs at the National Trust are many and varied. From rangers looking after the countryside and conservation assistants caring for our collections to more unusual roles such as spade makers and dance instructors, enjoy our selection of staff portraits.

Photo shoot for our 125 Portraits collection

Go behind the scenes  

Chris Lacey and John Millar travelled the length and breadth of the country to capture the dramatic portraits for 'A Portrait of the National Trust'. We’ve been talking to them about the inspiration for the book, the challenges they faced and the people they met.

Teleri Fielden

Podcast: A portrait of the National Trust

In 2017 Teleri Fielden started her National Trust shepherdess scholarship deep in the valleys of Snowdonia. We revisit her three years on to find out if the early mornings, harsh winters and constant rain have dampened her spirits or given her the drive to prove she’s got what it takes.

Discover more podcasts
A Portrait of the National Trust book

A Portrait of the National Trust: 125 Stories for 125 Years  

2020 is our 125th anniversary year. This limited edition photographic collection shines a light on the many incredible people who contribute their skills, time, passions and personalities to our cause. Featuring dramatic photographic portraits by John Millar and personal interviews, it's a representation of the National Trust as it is today. It's a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years.

Buy the book

Photography focus

Daguerreotype portrait of an unknown woman

The history of portrait photography through our collections 

Delve into the history of portrait photography with our photography collections curator, Catherine Troiano. Some of the most compelling images in the collections we care for are those of people. See what they tell us about the development of photography and the lives of the people connected to the places we look after.

John Millar taking a photograph

Hints and tips for portrait photography 

We’ve put together some portrait photography top tips with the help of photographer John Millar. Discover how to capture the perfect shots of family and friends.

Early photograph of William Henry Fox Talbot who owned Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire

Photography connections to our places 

From Lacock Abbey’s role in the birth and early development of photography, to the house of 20th-century professional photographer Edward Chambré Hardman, the places we care for have many a story to tell. Explore some of the most compelling tales with our selection of photographic connections.

More to discover

The South Front of Ickworth House, Suffolk, showing the central rotunda, curved corridors and the gravel path in the garden.

About the National Trust today 

Following two difficult years affected by the pandemic, we continue to carry on the ambition set out by our founders to care for nature, beauty and history. Here’s a reminder of what we’re here for and how the values of our founders are still at the heart of everything we do.

Morning Room of Lying-in Room in Nostell's dolls' house

Major exhibitions 

We'll be able to update you with displays and exhibitions shortly as our houses start to reopen. But for now, take a peek into Nostell’s recently conserved 18th-century dolls house or discover Osterley’s treasures, delve into the art collection at Ickworth. Watch this space for more updates.

Margaret and her group enjoying a dance class

These are the places that make us 

Whether you’re meeting friends, escaping the bustle of everyday life, or getting closer to nature, we all make special connections with different places. These are the places that make us who we are. Meet some of the people behind the places, or begin your own story at a place that matters to you.

Petworth painting conservation

Protect the collections and buildings in our care 

We're committed to protecting the arts and collections in our care, as well as preserving our nation’s great houses and other historical buildings. Give today and together we can help ensure our shared history continues to inspire us all. Thank you for your continued support.

Donate now