51st Wildlife Photographer of the Year
Friday 16 September 2016 to 19 February 2017
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh
Admission: FREE
The world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, on tour from the Natural History Museum in London, will open at the National Museum of Scotland on Friday 16 September 2016. This will be the only Scottish venue for the exhibition, which will feature 100 awe-inspiring images, from fascinating animal behaviour to breathtaking wild landscapes.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious photography event of its kind, providing a global platform that showcases the natural world’s most astonishing and challenging sights for over 50 years. Launching in 1965 and attracting 361 entries, today the competition receives almost 50,000 entries from 95 countries highlighting its enduring appeal. The 100 award-winning images from the fifty-first competition have embarked on an international tour allowing them to be seen by millions of people across six continents.
Dr Nick Fraser, Keeper of Natural Sciences at National Museums Scotland, says:
“We are delighted that Wildlife Photographer of the Year is returning to the National Museum of Scotland, from the Natural History Museum in London, particularly as the Museum is this year’s only Scottish venue. This exhibition presents thought-provoking new ways of seeing the world through the lens of photographers across the world. These extraordinary images are certain to evoke a response and will resonate with our audiences.”
Through the lens of wildlife photography, the exhibition captures the intrigue and beauty of our planet, giving us a glimpse of the natural world as it has never been seen before.
Chris Harte, Chief Executive at Morton Fraser, said:
“Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a breathtaking exhibition. It epitomises clarity, focus and excellence, which are all values we share at Morton Fraser. We are proud to support such a prestigious exhibition as it comes to Scotland.”
David Watt, Arts & Business Scotland Chief Executive, said:
“Arts & Business Scotland is delighted to be supporting the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland through the New Arts Sponsorship Grants programme. The collaboration between National Museums Scotland and Morton Fraser is a fantastic example of the cross sector working to support top class cultural activity in Scotland.”
For further information and images please contact Kirsten Cowie, Press Office, National Museums Scotland, tel 0131 247 4391, k.cowie@nms.ac.uk.
To arrange interviews with photographers or spokespeople, please contact Zoe Stanton at the Natural History Museum Press Office.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7942 5156
Mobile: +44 (0)7799 690 151
Email: wildpress@nhm.ac.uk
Notes to Editors
- National Museums Scotland is one of the leading museum groups in the UK and Europe and it looks after collections of national and international importance. The organisation provides loans, partnerships, research and training in Scotland and internationally. Our individual museums are the National Museum of Scotland, the National Museum of Flight, the National Museum of Rural Life and the National War Museum. The National Museums Collection Centre in Edinburgh houses conservation and research facilities as well as collections not currently on display.
- The National Museum of Scotland reopened in summer 2011 following a three-year, £50m redevelopment. With over 8 million visitors since reopening, the National Museum of Scotland is the most popular museum in the country outside of London (source: Association of Leading Visitor Attractions). The National Museum of Scotland was awarded ‘Gold’ Level Green Tourism Visitor Attraction status in 2016.
- Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio 25, edited by Rosamund Kidman-Cox, is published by the Natural History Museum on 14 October 2015, priced £25.
- Natural History Museum Publishing produces high-quality, fully illustrated non-fiction books about the natural world. To view the entire range of books, visit www.nhm.ac.uk/business-centre/publishing.
- About Arts & Business Scotland (A&BS):
• Arts & Business Scotland (A&BS) is a national charity which encourages and promotes new and sustainable collaborations between the creative and business sectors. It fosters dynamic cross sector relationships to enable Scotland to benefit from a vibrant cultural community.
• The New Arts Sponsorship (NAS) Grant programme encourages private sector sponsorship of cultural activity in Scotland. Administered by A&BS and funded by the Scottish Government via Creative Scotland it offers £1 for £1 match funding to cultural organisations which have secured sponsorship from an eligible business.
• In total, over £7 million has been invested in culture through NAS with Scottish Government investment exceeding £3 million since the grant programme began in 2006.