The GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland campaign has today (Tuesday 29 March) revealed the photographers who have won the ‘Great Exposure Photography Competition’ and will have their pictures displayed across all terminals, on the Heathrow Express train running from the airport to London Paddington train station, and on digital screens within the terminals.
Launched in partnership with the Royal Photographic Society, the GREAT campaign’s project was designed to show passengers a fresh view of the UK, as seen through the eyes and lenses of the public.
The display of 40 photos captures the spirit of all four corners of the nation. People and places from across the UK such as Bow Fiddle Rock in Scotland, Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire, Pentre Ifan in Pembrokeshire, Wales and Gortin Glen Forest Park in Omagh, County Tyrone in Northern Ireland are included.
This project forms part of the government’s ongoing work to promote the UK around the world to drive trade, tourism and international students, with the images due to be seen by tens of millions of people passing through the airport each year.
The winning entries will be displayed for at least a year across spaces throughout Heathrow Airport, and of the 40 ten images were taken in London.
The images were judged by an expert panel, comprising photographer Simon Roberts, Mariama Attah; curator of the Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool, photographer Alistair Morrison, and Heathrow’s Chief Operating Officer, Emma Gilthorpe.
Emma Gilthorpe, Chief Operating Officer at Heathrow Airport and one of the competition judges said:
“It is fantastic to see the UK’s rich cultural diversity on show through this brilliant new photography exhibition. I am delighted that passengers arriving at Heathrow will be greeted by these photos, celebrating diverse perspectives and our innovative, welcoming spirit.
“We’re gearing up for a busy summer travel season and I hope this exhibition will encourage visitors to see new perspectives when they visit the amazing places the UK has to offer.”
Brunel Johnson taken at Ridley Road, Dalston, London
“I’m glad that my image will help give visitors to the UK a realistic perspective of how diverse this country is. That they are hopefully intrigued by the photo and actually visit these places to experience and learn more about the different cultures.”
Rooful Ali taken at London
“The beauty of photography is that it’s more accessible than ever before for anyone to capture ‘faces and places’, especially on travels. Here at home, I love capturing colour and culture.
“My photo celebrates the beauty of the United Kingdom’s diversity – different faces from different places – yet we are the same when we laugh and smile. Friends who are visually proud of their faith identity and enjoy fashion, wonderful for all to see and be, in Britain today.”
