The South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition has arrived in style at London’s Paddington Station, bringing spectacular images of England’s longest National Trail to the heart of the capital.
This is the second year that the annual photography competition, organised by the South West Coast Path Association, has featured a public exhibition in London, thanks to the support of partner Great Western Railway.
Featuring 21 photographs displayed on striking large-scale panels, this colourful exhibition highlights both the beauty of the South West Coast Path – 630 miles of stunning coastline spanning four counties, from Minehead to Poole – and the threats to its future caused by climate change. The exhibition includes a panel about the highly anticipated film, The Salt Path, released on 30 May.
The official opening brought many of the winning photographers to London to view their images, including some who had travelled from overseas, such as the overall winner, Jasmin Fernholz. Following the opening, Jasmin is now enjoying a 10-day walking adventure along the South West Coast Path, before returning home to Germany. The winning images were selected from a total of over 1,800 entries in categories such as People and Path, Urban Lines, Sky Shot, Nature, Climate Change and Young Photographer of the Year.
Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association, says,
“We’re really proud and excited to see the Coast Path showcased at Paddington Station. This iconic transport gateway to the South West is the perfect setting for an amazing exhibition, bringing Britain’s longest National Trail to the heart of London.
The quality of the photographs seems to be getting better each year, and it’s been a pleasure to work with GWR again to make the exhibition possible.”
Ruth Powell, Regional Partnerships Manager, says,
“Great Western Railway is proud to sponsor the Photographer of the Year competition again this year and even prouder to be able to showcase the 630-mile South West Coast Path National Trail through the lens of this remarkable exhibition.
“Inspiring people to visit the South West, the exhibition perfectly showcases the beautiful coastline and how easily accessible it is from the rail network.”
Raynor Winn, author of the best-selling memoir, The Salt Path, and Ambassador for the South West Coast Path Association, visited the exhibition as she travelled through Paddington Station, following the London gala screening of The Salt Path film. Raynor said of the exhibition,
“Congratulations to all the winners and runners up – some truly beautiful images of our wonderful Path.”
More details of each winning image can be found here in the ‘Behind the Lens II’ blog.
The South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year exhibition is free and can be viewed on Platforms 8 & 9 at Paddington Station until 19th June.
