The Wolverhampton Art Gallery will make history later this month by becoming the first venue outside of London to display the current collection of images from the world-renowned Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 exhibition. The prestigious showcase will run from October 25, 2025, through January 25, 2026, bringing internationally acclaimed nature photography to the West Midlands.
The competition winners were officially announced last week, featuring 19 award recipients across various categories for both young photographers and adults. Among the standout winners is Audun Rickardsen, whose photograph "The Feast" claimed victory in the "Oceans: The Bigger Picture" category. Additionally, Luca Lorenz secured the Rising Star category with an impressive photograph captured in Germany, highlighting the emerging talent in wildlife photography.
Visitors to the exhibition will experience the photographs displayed on large-scale lightboxes, creating an immersive viewing experience. The gallery has designed the presentation to include an atmospheric soundscape that evokes the natural environments captured in each image, enhancing the emotional impact of the visual storytelling.
Kathy Moran, who serves as chair of the competition's jury, emphasized the significance of the exhibition, stating: "There is nothing more rewarding or moving than seeing our relationship to the natural world, in all its complexity and splendor, shared on the world's biggest platform for wildlife photography." Her comments underscore the competition's role in fostering appreciation for environmental conservation through artistic expression.
Dr. Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, which organizes the annual competition, celebrated this milestone year. "Now in its 61st year, we are thrilled to continue Wildlife Photographer of the Year as a powerful platform for visual storytelling, showing the diversity, beauty and complexity of the natural world and humanity's relationship to it," he remarked. The competition has grown significantly since its inception, becoming one of the most prestigious awards in nature photography.
Local government officials have expressed enthusiasm about bringing this internationally recognized exhibition to Wolverhampton. Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council cabinet member for development, jobs and skills, stated: "We're proud to welcome back the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition to Wolverhampton Art Gallery. I encourage everyone, especially our young people who can visit for free, to come and be inspired by the power of photography." The free admission for young visitors demonstrates the city's commitment to making cultural experiences accessible to all residents.
This exhibition represents a significant cultural achievement for Wolverhampton, positioning the city as an important destination for world-class art and photography exhibitions. The three-month duration of the show will provide ample opportunity for residents and visitors from across the region to experience these exceptional works that celebrate the beauty and fragility of our natural world.
