The portraits collection was formed by various historians, archivists, librarians, and communications staff who collected and used the photographs for publications, press releases, and newspaper articles.  Many of the photographs were taken by Canadian Churchman and Anglican Journal journalists and collected by the Church House librarians who created biographical photo files for ready access by other staff.  These biographical photo files were deposited with the General Synod Archives when they were no longer current, but remained of historical interest.

The Portraits collection consists of photographs of nationally significant individuals and groups, such as synods and other national meetings of Anglican committees, councils, task forces, and related organizations.  Includes people involved with running residential schools, missions overseas, and Anglican Communion individuals and groups such as Chinese and Japanese Bishops and the Lambeth Conference.

The collection includes a series of biographical photo files containing photographs, clippings, and biographical information of people connected with the Anglican Church of Canada.