All language subtitles for Portrait or Bust Introduction from Alan Bennett

Portrait or Bust is a documentary
about Leeds Art Gallery

which I made with Jonathan Stedall
in 1 993.

Although these are the pictures I like,

I'm not sure I've much of consequence
to say about the actual paintings.

But what I did in the film
was advertise my own ignorance

in the hope that
it would encourage people

with similar feelings of inadequacy
where art is concerned

to come into the gallery nevertheless.

And once they're in the gallery,
they shouldn't feel intimidated.

Some of the pictures in Leeds
I've known since I was a child.

They're often not masterpieces
but just old friends,

and I no longer have to ask myself
what it is I like about them.

I know them, and that's enough.

Still, it would do no harm

to have in the entrance hall
of all art galleries a large sign.

''Remember, you do not
have to like everything.''