Docent tour of National Art Gallery

You might check their website to find information on docent-led tours. I have been there a number of times but I don't recall if there are docent tours or not. But the website will have that information and notice of upcoming special exhibitions which I always enjoy when I'm in London.

Yep, they do. They are great. There are general tours, but I really enjoy when they spend 30 minutes on just one painting. So much to learn. Check their website for details.

I have never heard them called docents over here. Sure some one will correct me if i am wrong. But never heard the word till i came on this site, but also not sure what i would call the very knowledgable museum employees in the galleries/museums, maybe guides or guards? Never really thought about it before.....

I agree with caro - not a term used here. Fine on the Forum just don't expect the folks on the desk to recognise it.

I have never heard them called docents over here. Sure if i am wrong some one will correct me if i am wrong.

Never heard of the term until I started visiting this site. I suspect if anyone asked for a docent tour in the UK they'd be met with blank stares.

Docent is a term used by North Americans, I think elsewhere they would probably just be referred to as guides? My understanding is that docents are usually (very) knowledgeable volunteers that work in the gallery spaces.

Just because language is interesting, I can report that no docents in this part of the world either. I always misread docent as 'decent' . Another new word I learnt on this forum is 'ball cap' - which to me conjures up something completely different from what's intended.

Anyway...as you were...

Not sure about tours arranged by the Gallery itself. But London Walks do tours (2 hours). Check out www.walks.com. They also do similar in the British Museum and the V & A. I have tried them all and they are a good overview.

Hi, Thanks a lot for all your replies. We might as well do it through London walks as we are doing the Beatles walk too. Thanks for your suggestion Katy!

I’ve taken their free daily tour. From what our guide said, it varies by day. The guide indicated that each guide chooses a selection of paintings to discuss.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/events/tours

I’ve also taken a number of the London Walks tours to museums and they have also been quite good.

FYI: the National Gallery has an excellent YouTube channel with many discussions of the masterpiece paintings. You might find it useful before you go or as a way to follow up upon your return.