Skip to main content

In making an application to copy, you are agreeing to adhere to the following code of practice if your permit is approved:

  • Only one permit to copy one painting will be granted to a copyist at any one time.
  • Multiple permits will not be issued.
  • You must carry your permit with you in the Gallery at all times and affix the canvas label to the reverse of your canvas.
  • The copyist must report to the Duty Manager’s Office upon arrival, on each day of copying, so your attendance can be recorded.
  • Copyists should inform the Duty Managers Office by email if they are unable to attend one of their agreed sessions, or if they plan to arrive later than 11am or leave before 5pm. This is so that the stool, easel and canvas can be kept in the secure store, and not left unattended in the Gallery.
  • Copyists may only work in the Gallery on the days agreed; Thursday and Friday from 10am to 5pm. Painting must be finished by 5pm on both days.
  • The copy must not be the same size as the original painting. The size of the canvas or board must differ by at least 1 “ / 2.5 cm in both directions from the original, and the proportions of the copy must also differ from those of the painting being copied.
  • Copying for commission or sale is not permitted.
  • Copyists must not touch the original paintings or their frames.
  • Copyists must move their easels aside when asked to do so by a Gallery Assistant, a
  • Curator, a National Gallery Lecturer or member of the public wishing to look at the painting.
  • If discarded paint marks the clothes of another visitor to the Gallery, the copyist will be asked to reimburse the cost of cleaning or replacing the garment.
  • Canvases may be stored in the Gallery between visits, at the copyist’s own risk. The Gallery accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to the canvas.
  • Copyists wishing to take their copy out of the Gallery must sign for its removal in the Duty Managers’ Office.
  • Copies made in the Gallery must be taken away within a month of the permit expiring. If left for longer, they will be destroyed. Please sign out canvases in the Duty Managers’ Office.
  • As visitor photography is permitted in the Gallery, copyists must be prepared that their work may be photographed by visitors.
  • Gallery Assistants have absolute responsibility for the rooms in their charge. Copyists must do as the Gallery Assistants ask. Permits will be withdrawn if these rules are not adhered to.
  • Materials and Equipment Copyists must act responsibly with painting materials in the Gallery and must abide by the following: stools, easels and plastic sheeting are provided and set up for you, but copyists must provide their own canvas and materials.
  • The size of the canvas or board must not exceed 48 “ / 124 cm in either direction.
  • All tubed paint must have their lids replaced at all times.
  • Pallets should be covered when not in use or when you are away from the easel for any period. Brushes should be cleaned off on a cloth in between use and should never be left to stand in a container of solvent at any time.
  • No more than 100mls of paint solvent should be used at any one time in the Gallery, including white spirit, turpentine and water.
  • The solvent container / bottle must have a lid, must be kept closed at all times and must be labelled with the appropriate hazard warning sticker that conform Health and Safety regulations. Labels are available through the Copyists Scheme (see examples below).
  • Solvents should be used discretely and be put away when not being used.
  • Palettes (covered) and brushes (wiped clean) may be left on the easel between Thursday morning and Friday afternoon, but copyists must not leave any mess on the floor or the barriers.
  • If any paint is accidentally splashed on to a Gallery painting, the copyist must not touch the Gallery painting and inform a Gallery Assistant immediately. Copyists must not attempt to remove the paint themselves.

Please note that, for safety and security reasons, applications for permits to copy the following, will not be approved:

  • Paintings in the Sainsbury Wing.
  • Paintings in lower floor galleries.
  • Paintings on long loan to the Gallery (‘L’ number paintings).
  • Paintings in very small rooms (e.g. Room 7 and 42).
  • Paintings in very busy rooms (e.g. The Impressionist Galleries; Rooms 43–46).
  • Paintings which hang in thoroughfares (e.g. Rooms 10 –12 and 15).
  • Paintings acquired less than one year ago.
  • Paintings which hang in a room where a copyist is already working.
  • Paintings which have recently been cleaned.
  • Paintings which are committed to loans out.
  • Paintings which are due to be moved.