Douglas Adams
- Artist: Brian Griffin
- Date: 1986
- Medium: bromide print
- Dimensions: 13 7/8 in. x 13 7/8 in. (353 mm x 352 mm)
- Portrays: Douglas Noel Adams
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
Before you is Brian Griffin’s 1986 bromide print of Douglas Noel Adams, surrounded by a playful galaxy of ping‑pong balls. The set was built on an illuminated Perspex sheet; the balls were thrown onto it and caught the light, creating a shimmering halo around Adams’ head. Notice how the glossy white spheres contrast with the deep background, giving the portrait both a lively and reverent feel.
Griffin, celebrated for his innovative photography in Management Today magazine and work with record labels, produced 36 portraits of notable figures. This one was commissioned by Michael Young for The Times as part of a series that celebrates a life or achievement—here Adams, best known for the “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” radio play that began in 1978 and later became books, films, and stage shows.
The portrait feels like an homage to the randomness of the universe he wrote about. As you look, let the swirling balls remind you of the playful mystery that defined his work.
See it in person
Douglas Adams 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.
