Barbara Anne Castle, Baroness Castle
- Artist: David Newell-Smith
- Date: circa 1970
- Medium: gelatin silver print
- Dimensions: 12 in. x 15 in. (306 mm x 380 mm) overall
- Portrays: Barbara Anne Castle, Baroness Castle
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
In this portrait by David Newell‑Smith you see a gelatin silver print made around 1970, measuring just over twelve inches tall and fifteen across. The frame shows the figure of Barbara Anne Castle in her mid‑fifties, her face lit with soft, natural light and a subtle smile. She wears a simple ring on her finger, hinting at her personal style. The print’s silver tones give it a crisp yet warm quality.
Castle was a key Labour politician: MP for Blackburn and First Secretary of State. She introduced speed limits and seat‑belts in transport, then championed the Equal Pay Act when female sewing machinists struck at Ford Dagenham. This photograph captures that moment of public service and personal poise.
See it in person
Barbara Anne Castle, Baroness Castle is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
