Copying paintings in the National Gallery Collection | Plan your visit

The copyists scheme

Full-time art students, art teachers, and practising artists can apply for a permit to copy
paintings in the National Gallery Collection.

Please note: some painting materials are permitted for use only by copyists with a current permit.

Applying for a permit to copy

To apply for a permit, please complete the form below.

Each new applicant must provide a reference from a teacher, employer or an art
professional. Your referee should be able to comment on your suitability to copy, in
terms of reliability, professional integrity, and artistic development. Permits will not be
granted unless an acceptable reference is provided.

Please select two paintings to copy; your first choice may not be available. The curator with responsibility for the painting you'd like to copy will consider your application. The curator has the final decision whether your application is approved or declined.

We'll let you know via email of the outcome of your application. If it is approved, we'll
post a permit and canvas label to you. Permits will be valid from the agreed start
date for three calendar months in the first instance. Extensions of one month can be
applied for when the original permit expires, and will be granted at the curator’s
discretion.

Code of practice

Please read our code of practice before completing an application form. In making an application to copy, you are agreeing to adhere to this code if your application is approved .

* Required fields

Application for a permit to copy paintings in the National Gallery

Your details

1. Full name *

Address *

Post code *

2. Email address *

3. Contact number *

Website/Facebook page (if applicable)

Current students

Name of school or college

Address of school or college

Course title

Course start date

Course end date

Referee: Please provide a reference to support your application. If you are a student, please supply the details of your art teacher.

Name *

Profession *

Relationship (i.e. teacher/employer) *

Please upload the reference file here *

Telephone number *

Email address *

First choice of painting

Artist (1st choice) *

Title (1st choice) *

Catalogue number *

Gallery room number *

Size of proposed copy* (H x W cms) *

Seond choice of painting

Artist (2nd choice) *

Title (2nd choice) *

Catalogue number *

Gallery room number *

Size of proposed copy* (H x W cms) *

Copying

Please indicate which are preferred days you would like to copy, between 10am and 5pm *

Thursdays
Fridays
Both Thursdays and Fridays

Proposed start date *

Acceptance declaration *

I hereby declare I have read and accept the rules for copying paintings in the National Gallery

Data consent

Consent for storing submitted data *

Yes, I give you permission to store and process my data

Please see the National Gallery privacy notice