Subject Specialist Network: European Paintings pre-1900

The Subject Specialist Network: European Paintings pre-1900 (SSN) forms part of the National Gallery's nationwide programme, and is overseen by the Advisory Committee for Research on European Paintings.

The network provides the opportunity to exchange knowledge, experiences, and new ideas about paintings, including ways of improving public engagement through display and interpretation.

The SSN is generously supported by Arts Council England.

Membership and objectives

Membership of the network is free to museum professionals around the UK. Its objectives are to:

  • provide a stimulating and proactive network to support professionals working with European paintings pre-1900 in museums and art galleries around the UK

  • encourage knowledge and understanding of these works of art

  • facilitate discussion around research, interpretation, display, and learning programmes in order to enable public engagement

  • promote more in-depth research and interpretation of paintings in UK collections, building upon the work carried out by the National Inventory Research Project

  • support the highest professional standards in the research, conservation, display, and interpretation of European Paintings pre-1900

  • champion the importance of European paintings pre-1900 within the museum sector.