London Photography Exhibition 'Light Works' Launches International Year of Light 2015

Images that define what we can see at the largest and smallest scales, including some that are normally invisible to the human eye, are just part of a new exhibition that opens in London this week before going on a national tour. The exhibition aims to open our eyes to the breadth of incredible images taken from the world around us.

Organised by the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) with support from the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Light Works is a new exhibition celebrating the International Year of Light 2015.

Curated by RPS Fellow Gary Evans, Light Works is a virtual journey through the electromagnetic spectrum from gamma rays to radio waves. It uses 50 images to explore ways of looking into our own bodies and the world around us. The stunning images will offer something to everyone, regardless of their age or level of knowledge.

Gary Evans said: "With images so ubiquitous in the world today it was clear that the Royal Photographic Society needed to do something special to celebrate the International Year of Light. A 'walk through the electromagnetic spectrum' was the way to go, the hard part was settling on 50 images that not only have a rich visual impact, but also a story to tell."

Dr Andrew Taylor, Director of STFC's National Laboratories, said, "At STFC we use light every day in many different ways. For instance, we use intense beams of light to develop new methods of diagnosing medical conditions, to investigate new materials for energy production and storage, and to see into the depths of space. We are very pleased to be able to help bring this exhibition of photographs to people in the UK for the start of this International Year of Light."

The many contributors of images have been generous in their support and collaboration to make the exhibition possible.

Dr Michael Pritchard, Director General of the RPS, commented: "Photography has played an important role in documenting the visible and invisible world since the 1840s. Modern imaging techniques using visible and invisible light – as Light Works shows - can provide us with a view into the infinitesimal small and the gigantic. More than this they provide us with beautiful images that inspire and excite us"

Professor Martin Barstow, President of the Royal Astronomical Society, said, "It is wonderful to see such incredible images from astronomy being presented in this way to the public. However, what was enlightening about this exhibition was experiencing the beauty and power of the images taken at the opposite scale to astronomical images or taken within different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. These images offer everyone a way to see the world around us in a completely fresh light."

The exhibition is on public display until 6 February in the Burlington House Courtyard of the Royal Academy, before starting its tour to Belfast, Edinburgh and other UK cities.

ENDS

Contacts: Corinne Mosese
STFC Press Officer
Tel: +44(0)7557 317200

Dr Robert Massey
Deputy Executive Secretary
Royal Astronomical Society
Tel: +44 (0)20 7734 3307/4582 x214
Mob: +44 (0)794 124 8035

Dr Michael Pritchard FRPS
Director-General
The Royal Photographic Society
Tel: +44 (0)1225 325730

Notes to Editors: High-res images are available from the exhibition curator, Gary Evans. Some of the images are particularly relevant to STFC research, including:

The Gamma Ray Sky

Solar Flare

Centre of the Milky Way

Star Formation

Solar Spectrum

Beginning with London's premier arts and science venue, the courtyard of Burlington House, 'Light Works' will travel to public locations in a number of cities over the course of 2015. The stunning images will offer something to everyone, regardless of their age or level of science knowledge.

Each image has been printed 2 metres wide and 1.2 metres high, images are mounted back-to-back on custom-made display stands. These will be placed in public locations in a number of cities. The idea is to attract everyone, of any age or level of science knowledge, by providing stunning images that engage their interest. Informative captions are provided to explain what the viewer sees and how this relates to everyday life. More information

From 10 a.m. until dusk on Friday 30 January, Gary Evans will be available for guided tours of Light Works. And in the evening a special reception will follow in the Library of the Royal Astronomical Society, with guests from the sciences and the arts.

The International Year of Light is a global initiative which will highlight to the citizens of the world the importance of light and optical technologies in their lives, for their futures, and for the development of society. It is a unique opportunity to inspire, educate, and connect on a global scale.

The Royal Photographic Society (RPS) exists to promote photography and image-making and to support photographers in realising their potential, irrespective of their level of knowledge, equipment or skills. It has an international membership. The Society also acts as a public advocate for photography and photographers.

The Royal Astronomical Society (RAS), founded in 1820, encourages and promotes the study of astronomy, solar-system science, geophysics and closely related branches of science. The RAS organizes scientific meetings, publishes international research and review journals, recognizes outstanding achievements by the award of medals and prizes, maintains an extensive library, supports education through grants and outreach activities and represents UK astronomy nationally and internationally. Its more than 3800 members (Fellows), a third based overseas, include scientific researchers in universities, observatories and laboratories as well as historians of astronomy and others. Follow the RAS on Twitter via @royalastrosoc