Talent of North Devon’s local photographers is now on show at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

Photo exhibition shows off local talent and the spectacular biodiversity in the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A stunning exhibition displaying the talents of North Devon’s local photographers is now on show at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon. ‘North Devon in Photographs’ highlights the unique character of the region and its artists, showcasing the very best entries from this year’s annual Heritage Photographic Competition. Well-known Bideford-based photographer, Graham Hobbs, selected the winners from over 500 entries. Gerry Davidson was declared the over all winner of the competition for his superb Town & Villages entry ‘Pasternoster Snow’. Graham Hobbs presented him with the perpetual cup and an engraved tankard. A separate competition was held for Under 16’s, which was won by 10 year old Robin Tanner who’s Character photograph ‘ The Old Chimney Sweep’ caught the judge’s eye. He was also presented with a special trophy. Once again the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership sponsored a special class, this time celebrating the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity. Naturalist and AONB Champion Trevor Beer, MBE, had the hard task of selecting the winners for this Wildlife category. Martha Mills image of a Common Lizard taken at Braunton Burrows gained 1st Place. Rose Day, Chairman of North Devon Coast AONB, was invited to attend the presentation and gave out the awards for this section. She says: “The standard of the entries was excellent, and highlights the depth of photographic talent that exists in North Devon. Graham and Trevor must have had a really difficult time in deciding who the eventual winners were to be.”

Gerry Davidson ‘Pasternoster Snow’

Winners of the open categories were:
Towns & Villages – Gerry Davidson
The Coast & The Sea – Keith Lowther
Characters – Mike Southon
Landscapes – Robin Mellor
Wildlife – Keith Trueman
Anything Goes! – Robin Mellor

Robin Tanner  ‘ The Old Chimney Sweep’

Under 16’s category winners were:
Towns & Villages – Robin Tanner
The Coast and The Sea – Robin Tanner
Characters – Robin Tanner
Wildlife – Robin Tanner
Anything Goes! – Robin Tanner
AONB special Wildlife category winner – Martha Mills

Alison Mills, Museum Development Manager says: “We are delighted with the response we received this year and I'd like to thank everyone for entering.” A full listing of awards can be found on www.devonmuseums.net/barnstaple.  
The exhibition runs until Saturday, 8th January 2011. The Museum’s winter opening times are 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and admission is free