From 6 July to 28 October 2012 one hundred photographs from the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest will go on display at the World Museum in Liverpool. The overall winner of the competition was Daniel Beltrá from Spain for his work Still life in oil, a striking image of eight brown pelicans rescued from an oil spill (above). Young Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year winner was Mateusz Piesiak from Poland with his work Pester power, a picture that depicts two American oyster-catchers on a beach on Long Island, New York. This will be the first time that the exhibition will be seen in the UK outside London.

Press Release

Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Exhibition of work from global competition to go on display

One of the world’s most prestigious photography exhibitions, Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year, will come to World Museum in Liverpool.

From 6 July to 28 October 2012 one hundred astonishing, creative and humorous wildlife photographs will go on display that celebrate the drama and splendour of the natural world.

Among the photographs on display will be the prizewinning entries to the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year Competition 2011. The overall winner was Daniel Beltrá from Spain for his work Still life in oil, a striking image of eight brown pelicans rescued from an oil spill. Young Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year winner was Mateusz Piesiak from Poland with his work Pester power a picture that depicts two American oystercatchers on a beach on Long Island, New York.

These prizewinning images come from the tens of thousands of international entries from the competition’s 17 categories. The images will be beautifully displayed in sleek backlit installations that present a huge variety of stunning and inspiring photographs capturing nature’s rich diversity. The exhibition debuted at the Natural History Museum before it embarked on its tour around the world. The exhibition will be free to enter and the first time that the backlit images will be seen in the UK outside London.

A selection of mounted specimens from World Museum’s wildlife collection will also be going on display. To tie in with the London 2012 Olympic Games each specimen will be a ‘record breaker’, from the Wandering Albatross who has the greatest wingspan to the Spotted Hyena, a mammal with the most powerful jaws in the animal kingdom.

Steve Judd, Director of World Museum said: “We’re delighted to be showing this fabulous exhibition. From the sea to the stars, WorldMuseumcelebrates wildlife and the natural world so this exhibition fits perfectly with what we already offer to our visitors. It also gives us an opportunity to display some of our own collection which will compliment the photography.”

The first Wildlife Photography Competition was held in 1964, with three categories and around 600 entries, now there have been more than 40,000 entries received from more than 90 countries around the globe.

Now in its 47th year, the competition is owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine and is sponsored by Veolia Environnement. It is internationally recognised for taking a lead in the artistic representation of the natural world and continues to be held in high esteem. 

For more information about the Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition and World Museum go to – .liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wildlife

About National Museums Liverpool
National Museums Liverpool comprises eight venues. Our collections are among the most important and varied in Europe and contain everything from Impressionist paintings and rare beetles to a lifejacket from the Titanic.

We attract more than three million visitors every year. Our venues are the International Slavery Museum, Lady Lever Art Gallery, Merseyside Maritime Museum,  Museum of Liverpool, Sudley House, UK Border Agency National Museum, Walker Art Gallery and World Museum. 

World Museum is winner of Netmums favourite place to go in Merseyside 2011 and has been shortlisted for the Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Award 2012. It is one of Britain’s finest museums with extensive collections from the Amazonian Rain Forest to outer space. Visitors can discover the intricately woven belt of Ramases III and experience our frequently changing exhibitions, special events and permanent attractions, such as the Clore Natural History Centre and creepy crawlies in the Bug House.

BBC Wildlife Magazine
BBC Wildlife Magazine helps its readers to get closer to nature and to understand, experience and enjoy wildlife through spectacular photography and fascinating features. Find out more at www.discoverwildlife.com

Veolia Environnement
Veolia Environnement, a world leader in environmental services, has been the proud sponsor of the competition for three years. This year Veolia Environnement will also be sponsoring the UK regional tour. With more than 300,000 employees worldwide, the company provides tailored solutions to meet the needs of municipal, commercial and industrial customers to reduce their environmental impact in water, waste and energy management as well as freight and passenger transport. Please note, Veolia Environnement is the official company name, with a French spelling. For more information, please visit www.veolia.co.uk

World Museum William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN   Admission FREE
Open 10am-5pm every day                                 Information 0151 478 4393
Website www.liverpoolmuseum.co.uk

Photo: Daniel Beltrá - Veolia Environnement Wildlife Photographer of the Year is owned by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife Magazine

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