Here's the National Portrait Gallery's statement from their website:
http://www.npg.org.uk/about/creators/copyright.phpQUOTE
Copyright and the National Portrait Gallery
The Gallery has a public duty not only to conserve and display works in its Collection but also to ensure they are correctly represented in reproductions and publications.
As a result of continuing research, from time to time adjustments are made in the attributions of artists and sitters, and these amendments are reflected in Gallery publications such as this website. Likewise, we ensure pictures are represented in their most recent state of restoration.
There are sometimes sensitive issues involving artists, sitters, donors or lenders of Collection works, to which we must be responsive. Accordingly, we tightly control the circumstances and quality of reproductions from the Collection.
The Gallery's image licensing department issues images for reproduction purposes. We also exert strict controls on all photography in the Gallery, which is allowed only on the understanding that copyright rests with us and that any further reproduction deriving from resulting photographic materials is subject to our written permission.
The Gallery is a strong supporter of free entry - we don't think visitors should have to pay to see the Collection. Those who may never be able to visit us can enjoy and learn about the Collection through images published in books and magazines, and on television and the internet.
The Gallery's image licensing department raises money by licensing reproductions, thus supporting both the free entry policy and the Gallery's main functions caring for its Collection and engaging people with its works.
QUOTE(Push the button @ Sat 11th July 2009, 1:30pm)
QUOTE(Kato @ Sat 11th July 2009, 11:23pm)
...a radical and essentially right wing agenda to undermine public ownership...
Sorry, but public ownership of what, in this instance?
The National Portrait Gallery is publicly owned. It's owned by me.