From frozen landscapes to a surprised newt, the latest exhibition at the Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill, south London, showcases the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
The European Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, opened on 26th November, features all the winning photographs in the 2015 competition, on display for the first time in the UK.
The 84 exceptional images, by photographers from across Europe, highlight some of nature’s most dramatic action, eye-catching details and surprising patterns. The exhibition also captures unique moments such as a new-born seal’s first glimpse of the world and an ant’s tiny environment magnified into a colourful ‘fairyland’. Taking pride of place is the overall winner, Shadow Walker, a photograph of an urban fox taken by Surrey-based photographer Richard Peters, in his back garden.
Jo Hatton, Keeper of Natural History at the Horniman Museum and Gardens, said: “There are photos here that will fascinate and delight any nature lover, as well as some that remind us of the fragility of our world. But above all, visitors will be struck by the sheer beauty and wonderful variety of nature, captured by the artistry of some of Europe’s best photographers.”
The Horniman is asking visitors to vote for their own favourite photo in the exhibition, with the result being announced on its website on 20th January. The European Wildlife Photographer of the Year is open until 15th January 2017 and is free to visit.
Other UK-based photographers in the exhibition include Mark Hamblin from Inverness-shire, Tim Hunt from Worcestershire and Tom Way from Buckinghamshire.
The European Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest is owned by the GDT-Society of German Photographers. The 2015 competition attracted almost 17,300 entries from 36 European countries, in 10 categories: birds; mammals; other animals; plants and fungi; landscapes; underwater; man and nature; nature’s studio; young photographer of the year (up to 14); and young photographer of the year (15-17).
The Horniman Museum and Gardens opened in 1901 as a gift to the people in perpetuity from tea trader and philanthropist Frederick John Horniman, to ‘bring the world to Forest Hill’. Today, the Horniman has a collection of 350,000 objects, specimens and artefacts from around the world. Its galleries include natural history, music and an acclaimed aquarium. Indoor exhibits link to the award-winning display gardens – from food and dye gardens to an interactive sound garden – set among 16 acres of beautiful, green space offering spectacular views across London.
The Museum and Gardens is core-funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and since 1990 has been governed by an independent charitable trust. The Horniman Museum and Gardens also receives funding from Arts Council England as one of its major partner museums.
The Horniman Museum is open daily 10.30am-5.30pm, except 24th – 26th December, when it is closed. The Gardens open at 7.15am, Monday to Saturday, and 8am on Sunday and Bank Holidays, and close at sunset. Entry to the Museum and Gardens is free but charges apply for the aquarium and some special exhibitions and events. Horniman Members go free.
Image credit: Surprised Newt © Pekka Tuuri (Highly Commended in the Underwater category)
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