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Subject Specialist Network

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About

The Subject Specialist Network provides the opportunity to exchange knowledge, experiences, and new ideas about paintings. We aim to support sector professional and connect organisations with public-facing painting collections to be more resilient and innovative.

The network forms part of the National Gallery's nationwide programme and serves over 150 museums and galleries which have collections that include historical European paintings by sharing and exchanging advice and guidance about collections, acquisitions, conservation, access, interpretation and research. Our network is made up of nearly 300 individuals working to promote and preserve their collections, and includes curators, researchers and academics, conservators, registrars, exhibition managers, learning and public engagement producers and programmers.

Join the network

Please complete our enquiry form

Who we are

Image: Larry Keith, Head of Conservation and Keeper at the National Gallery, removing the varnish from the painting with a swab
  • A free professional network for museums and gallery professionals in the UK and beyond, who work with collections which include historic European paintings.
  • The network provides the opportunity to exchange knowledge, experiences, and new ideas about paintings, including ways of improving public engagement through display and interpretation.
  • It is facilitated by the National Gallery to promote, connect and share research, interpretation, display, and learning programmes.

What we offer

Image: Books from the Agnew Archive in the National Gallery Library © The National Gallery, London
  • Study days, workshops and conferences in London and across the UK 
  • Networking with peers and leading experts  
  • Professional development opportunities, knowledge exchange and skills sharing
  • In the future we hope to offer travel bursaries