Visitors to Matlock Bath’s Heights of Abraham now have the chance to experience the whole of the Peak District from the air thanks to a fantastic new season-long exhibition.

Heath and Heaven, from Derbyshire-based arts organisation Living Art, features a patchwork of stunning aerial shots of the Peak District National Park, taken from a helicopter in one day by world-renowned photographer John Beatty.

Keen to capture the spirit of the Park, the images, which are put together with words and poems by Living Art founder Si Homfray, take the viewer on a journey across the UK’s first National Park unveiling many of its hidden treasures.  Accompanying panels also offer exciting and informative facts for all the family to learn about the Peak District. 

“We were approached by the Heights of Abraham team to produce an exhibition at their visitor centre after they saw Heath and Heaven at last year’s Visit Peak District Tourism Conference,” commented Helen Wallis, Living Art’s Business Development Officer.

“It is great to be able to bring the whole of the Peak District to a wider audience, and for Living Art to have such fantastic exposure at one of Derbyshire’s best known visitor attractions,” added Ms Wallis.

Heights of Abraham’s Matthew Trembath said: “What we liked most about Heath and Heaven is that it provides the visitor with a unique and innovative view of the Peak District. Most of our visitors just come for the day and this exhibition allows them to get a flavour of the whole Peak District.”

The exhibition complements the many attractions that the Heights has to offer, including its new interpretation attraction the Fossil Factory, which looks at the geological founding of the Peak District.

“Heath and Heaven provides an understanding of the above ground beauty of the Peak whilst the Fossil Factory deals with how it was created. It is the perfect match,” added Mr Trembath.

Heath and Heaven can be seen at Heights of Abraham from 9th February until the 2nd November 2008.

Location: Heights of Abraham, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire
permalink

Hundreds of exceptional photographs taken from the Lake District skies in a single day are set to enthral crowds in a compelling new season long exhibition, which opens on 9th February 2008.

An aerial perspective revealing hidden treasures that cannot be seen from the ground, Rugged Reflections will be unveiled at the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole, on the shores of Windermere, and is expected to stir up a lot of interest.

It features the inspirational work of Derbyshire-based Si Homfray, whose not-for-profit organisation Living Art promotes the beauty of nature and importance of environmental support.

Capturing the ‘sheer magnificence’ of the Lake District National Park from the air, Si explained: “Hanging precariously out of a helicopter, with the shattering noise of rotor blades and 80 miles an hour winds, it was possible to develop a closeness and intimacy with the landscape. It was a very privileged insight into just what makes this iconic place so revered.”

The first flight set out from Newby Bridge and headed north via Windermere, Borrowdale and Keswick to Caldbeck, returning along the eastern fringe of the lakes, taking in Blencathra, Haweswater, High Street and Helvellyn. A second ascent produced dramatic shots of western gems, including Buttermere, Ennerdale and Pillar down to the Langdales, Hardknott Pass and Coniston.

Lake District National Park Authority’s designer James Cook said it was a major coup to be hosting exhibits of such breathtakingly high calibre.

He added: “We know this is going to be a major draw for our visitors, who will be treated to a veritable feast of world-class photography. Even those who are less mobile can experience the joys of the high fells through these wonderful images.”

According to the Si, Living Art is about slowing down and showing the unimaginable beauty of everything when you do stop and take a look at it all.

“I hope the exhibition will be a major attraction for the Lake District’s 12 million visitors, particularly as it opens up the whole of the national park to absolutely everyone,” he said.

“We want to encourage a wide audience to view the detail, warmth and essence of the landscape. We want people to learn, to be inspired and to respect the environment as a national treasure – and to safeguard its future.”

A fervent fan of the outdoors, mountains, photography and the arts, Si has lived in the heart of the Peak District for the past 20 years, embracing every opportunity to explore diverse landscapes; running, climbing, taking pictures, mountain biking and occasionally caving.

Worldwide expeditions opened Si’s eyes to the global challenges we all face and became the catalyst for Living Art.

“I wanted to bring change and open the world’s eyes to the fragile beauty of our environment and the urgent need to encourage others to share this passion,” said Si, who has 22 years’ experience in graphic design and marketing.
 
Leading an experienced team, he stages exhibitions and works with the Internet, traditional media and a variety of clients on environmental art projects large and small.

Having staged two successful Peak District photographic forays, Si is hoping his Lake District exhibition will find have a similar impact.

Rugged Reflections can be seen from 9 February until the end of Brockhole’s season. For opening times and further visiting information visit the Brockhole site at http://www.lake-district.gov.uk/index/enjoying/lake_district_visitor_centre_at_brockhole.htm or call 015394 46601.

Location: Brockhole Visitor Centre
permalink