The First Actresses

The National Gallery is currently displaying portraits that tell the fascinating stories of some of Britain's first actresses in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The paintings on show range from royal mistresses to admired writers and businesswomen, and reveal the many ways in which these early celebrities used portraiture to enhance their reputations, deflect scandal and create their professional identities.

The First Actresses: Nell Gwynn to Sarah Siddons is on display at the National Portrait Gallery until 8 January 2012. For more information, visit the National Portrait Gallery website

Take a look at some of our other galleries, including the launch of Titanic and images from Pompeii, at www.historyextra.com/feature/galleries