Numbering 1500 individual items and housed at over 80 historic properties across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the collection of portrait miniatures cared for by the National Trust is considered to be one of the most significant in the world. As a whole, the many precious works of art represent the highest standard of artistry and provide a history of miniature painting in Britain. In this comprehensive catalogue of the collection, Richard Walker and Alastair Laing provide entries on every miniature in the National Trust's care. The catalogue is published in volumes, divided by region, and the first considers in detail the 137 works held in four of the Trust's historic houses in Northern Ireland: Castle Coole, Florence Court, Mount Stewary and Springhill. Each work is the subject of an individual entry detailing the artist, subject, description, provenance and other relevant data. There is also an extensive bibliography and indexes of artists, portraits and subjects.