The world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, on loan from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at Beverley Art Gallery in The Treasure House in Beverley on Saturday 11 February, featuring 100 awe-inspiring images, from fascinating animal behaviour to breathtaking wild landscapes.
It is one of the East Riding’s major events as part of Hull UK City of Culture 2017, in which East Riding of Yorkshire Council is a principal partner.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, which has provided a global platform showcasing the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 50 years.
Launching in 1965 when it attracted 361 entries, today the competition receives almost 50,000 entries from 96 countries, highlighting its enduring appeal. This year’s 100 award-winning images are on an international tour that allows them to be seen by millions of people across six continents – and it will be in the East Riding for ten weeks.
Jan English, Head of Touring Exhibitions at the Natural History Museum, said:
“Wildlife Photographer of the Year celebrates the very best nature photography, and it is consistently one of our most successful touring exhibitions, enjoyed by millions every year. These images tell thought-provoking stories about our planet that prompt us all to think differently about the natural world and the future we want to create.”
Councillor Richard Burton, portfolio holder for civic wellbeing and culture, added: “This will be a must–see event in the East Riding, and a key part of our programme for Hull 2017. This stunning free exhibition will showcase the recently refurbished Art Gallery in Beverley at its very best, and will seal the Treasure House as a hub for culture in this area, and a key element of the cultural quarter we are aiming to develop in the town.”
Martin Green, CEO and Director of Hull 2017, added:
“Wildlife Photographer of the Year shows Mother Nature in all its glory, captured by some of the most talented photographers in the world. It’s fantastic to have this major international exhibition coming to Beverley and it promises to be a highlight of the Hull 2017 programme.”
The education team at the Treasure House have also put together a wide and varied programme of fun family events, fascinating talks and workshops with wildlife photography experts, to support the exhibition.
