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Monday 25 Oct 2010

FIRST ‘LINES IN THE LANDSCAPE’ RAILWAY PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD WINNER ANNOUNCED

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National

A clever image of a speeding train through picturesque Grindleford station in the Peak District has scooped the very first Network Rail 'Lines in the Landscape' special award at the Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards 2010. The photograph, taken by Hertfordshire based Chris Howe, was judged to be the best photograph of the national rail network by expert landscape photographer and competition organiser, Charlie Waite.

Chris's photograph was selected ahead of nearly 500 entries and he will now win an exclusive private walking tour of the Forth Rail Bridge in Scotland. The tour is only possible whilst renovation of the landmark structure takes place over the coming months.

 
The photograph, along with more than 100 of the very best images from the competition, will premier in a stunning, free exhibition at the National Theatre in London from November 22nd. It will also feature in a book of over 170 winning and commended entries from this year’s competition to be published on 31st October 2010.

Photographer and competition organiser Charlie Waite explains what made Chris' winning shot so special: "This picture works on a number of different levels. It shows the interaction of today's rail network with its surrounding landscape and demonstrates a seamless balance between the landscape, the people, the rail network and the train. These four elements all work together and suggest the importance of our railways to accessibility, discovery and, ultimately, the spread of ideas.

"Photographically its success hinges on a number of wonderfully interlocking elements. The boldest of these are the two sweeping arcs of the platform and the 'phantom like' train rushing through the scene. Then there are smatterings of red strewn throughout the image - from the track itself, throughout the foliage and even up into the sky. Finally, the solitary figure in red remains a powerful punctuation to which the eye is immediately directed. It is a brilliantly constructed image and fully deserves to take the Network Rail 'Lines in the Landscape' special award."

Robin Gisby, director of operations and customer service for Network Rail commented: "For over 150 years, the railway has helped connect people across the length and breadth of the country; it is a big part of British life. As the incredible photographs entered show, the railway helps create so many spectacular views of both our towns and cities and the countryside.

"Chris's photo cleverly depicts the fast modern network set against a quiet countryside setting. We’ve been thrilled with the response to our special award for railway photography, and hope that this year’s entries have inspired others to pick up their camera and enjoy the amazing views Britain has to offer."