This spring, visitors to the National Trust at Lacock Abbey can enjoy a collection of winning images from the International Garden Photographer of the Year (IGPOTY) competition. Lacock Abbey is the birthplace of photography, as William Henry Fox Talbot invented and took the first photographic negative at this National Trust property, then his home. Keen photographers can improve their own skills with Philip Smith, founder and organiser of the competition, who will be visiting Lacock to hold a special photography workshop on 10th May. The workshop runs for a whole day and includes lunch (£75 per person, booking essential). The exhibition itself will be displayed in the Botanic Garden, from 5th April to 22nd May.

IGPOTY Press Release

Popular photography exhibition returns to Lacock Abbey

This spring, visitors to the National Trust at Lacock Abbey can enjoy a walk through some of the world’s loveliest gardens, as a collection of winning images from the prestigious International Garden Photographer of the Year competition will be displayed in the Botanic Garden, from 5 April to 22 May.

From close-up studies to panoramic views and from the quirky and amusing to pictures of serene stillness, these photographs reflect the everlasting appeal of the garden. Categories include the Beauty of Plants, Wildlife in the Garden and Bountiful Earth among others.

“Hosting the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition is always a wonderful addition to our programme, especially as it is set outside, in our beautiful Botanic Garden,’ says Kristine Heuser, Marketing and Communications Officer at Lacock. “Our wonderful fragrant flower borders are coming into bloom, so the exhibition will be a delight for all the senses really.”

Lacock Abbey is the birthplace of photography, as William Henry Fox Talbot invented and took the first photographic negative at this National Trust property, then his home. He was also a keen botanist, and the Botanic Garden was one of his special places in the grounds.

Kristine continues: “It is amazing to think that without Fox Talbot, we might not even have photography as we know it now, including the images on show in the IGPOTY exhibition. Photography is very close to our heart, so we are delighted to have the exhibition back again this year.”

International Garden Photographer of the Year is the world's premier competition and exhibition specialising in garden, plant, flower and botanical photography.

It is run in association with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The main exhibition is held annually at Kew, with a rolling programme of touring exhibitions, with Lacock Abbey being the first chance to see this special outdoor display. This year’s exhibition features a wonderful collection of pictures with over 30 images on show.

Keen photographers can improve their own skills with Philip Smith, founder and organiser of the competition, who will be visiting Lacock to hold a special photography workshop on 10 May. Better plant and garden photography focuses on improving photography skills and learning about garden photography, from macro, depth of field, composition, digital processing and light and colour. Suitable for all abilities, the day will focus on learning and discovering, rather than taking many pictures, and Philip will be available for one-to-ones to answer any questions.

Spaces are very limited so keen garden photographers should book their tickets soon. The workshop runs for a whole day and includes lunch (£75 per person, booking essential).

International Garden Photographer of the Year, 5 April to 22 May, every day, 10.30am to 5.30pm in the Botanic Garden of Lacock Abbey. Normal admission applies. National Trust members and children under five go free.

Better plant and garden photography workshop, Saturday 10 May, 10am to 4pm. £75 per person (includes lunch). Booking essential on 0844 249 1895 or at nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock (booking fees apply).

Please visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock or call 01249 730459 for more information.

Photo: Rosanna Castrini - My Prairie Garden IGPOTY Competition 7 | Overall Winner

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