THIS stunning image by Shashwat Harish is one of the photographs on view at Dorset Museum and Art Gallery in Dorchester in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition from 19th July to 3rd November.
The world-famous exhibition from the Natural History Museum, returns to Dorset Museum & Art Gallery this summer, showcasing the world’s best nature photography. More than 100 powerful photographs capture fascinating animal behaviour, spectacular species and the breathtaking beauty of our planet. The images shine a light on stories and species from around the world and show the impact of human activity on the planet, in ways that words cannot.
From a dramatic encounter between a lioness, her two cubs and a wildebeest, battling Nubian Ibex in the mountains of the Negev desert, to a bee appearing to build a nest (all pictured here), many of the photographs reveal aspects of life in the wider natural world that many of us have never seen before.
Wildlife Photographer of the Year is the most prestigious event of its kind and has provided an important global platform for the best talent working in the genre for nearly 60 years. Originally launched in 1965, the competition has grown to such an extent that a staggering 49,957 entries, from photographers working in 95 different countries, were submitted for this year’s event.
Dorset Museum’s executive Director Claire Dixon has welcomed the return of the 2024 selection. She says: “We are delighted to host this fantastic exhibition. As the only Dorset venue to welcome this show, we can enable local audiences to enjoy world-class photography up close. Hosting over the summer period also means that those visiting the county will be able to add this exhibition to their ‘must do’ list. We find this exhibition appeals to all of our audiences, as children and young people are wowed by the incredible imagery and our more traditional audiences are engaged by the stories behind the photographs, as photographers reveal their extreme levels of commitment to capturing the perfect moment. This exhibition also enables us to make connections with our own displays and in particular, encourage audiences to explore the impact of the climate crisis on our local landscape and natural environment.”
Dr Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum says: “We are facing urgent biodiversity and climate crises, and photography is a powerful catalyst for change. The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition reveals some of nature’s most wondrous sights whilst offering hope and achievable actions visitors can take to help protect the natural world.”
To complement the exhibition, a FREE science-based workshop has been created in partnership with the Natural History Museum with the aim of challenging school students across to help everyone better understand nature and local habitats.
Wildlife in the UK is widely considered to be under threat, but we can all play a part in delivering positive solutions. The innovative workshop has been designed to inspire youngsters to become local experts, helping to observe and collect new data, and take action through science to make a real difference.
Pupils will explore Dorset Museum & Gallery’s hidden collection, discover how early scientists worked and develop their own scientific thinking. Inspired by the Museum’s incredible collection, children will also make their own nature journal to take away.
• The Natural History Museum is a world-leading science centre and one of the most visited attractions in the UK. A global source of curiosity, inspiration and joy. Our vision is to build a future in which both people and the planet thrive. We aim to be a catalyst for change, engaging advocates for the planet in everything that we do. Our 350 scientists are finding solutions to the planetary emergency in all aspects of life. Visit, join and support the Natural History Museum today. Protecting the planet. It’s in our nature.
Photographs by Shashwat Harish, Amit Eshel, Olivier Gonnet and Solvin Zanki.