Understanding British Portraiture logo

How to use the Toolkit

  1. Open the portrait data map to explore the core elements of a portrait or the portrait collection map if you are going to research a collection using the map to orientate your research at the outset will assist in identifying and gathering key data that can later be used for interpretation
  2. As you click on elements of the maps, individual subsets of each core element will appear; these indicate the base layer of information that should be recorded about a portrait or collection
  3. Links to selected websites suggest repositories of information that may help to further your enquiry about a specific portrait or collection
  4. Clicking on 'sample resources' will open a table of further resources in print, on site, and within the portrait itself
  5. Clicking on 'all case studies' will open a set of research examples
  6. When you have explored the map open the portrait template or portrait collection template; using a template to record core data about a portrait or collection can help with accuracy and consistency in gathering data; it can also provide a clear record from which information can subsequently be entered into a database
  7. You will also find a name record template for recording names in some detail; this helps to eliminate ambiguity, avoid duplication, and prepares the ground for searching data later on: spending a little time sorting out your name information will make your data much more accessible
  8. According to the information available, some core elements might be straightforward to record, others may be more elusive
  9. Where information is not readily available, it might be helpful to refer to the case studies and resources
  10. You can also contact the Subject Specialist Network partner institutions via their individual or museums' hub websites:





Copyright Understanding British Portraits (C) 2008. All Rights Reserved