In Pursuit of Perfection: The Yorkshire Photographic Union Competition Exhibition

The National Science and Media Museum in Bradford is set to host entries to the Yorkshire Photographic Union competition for the first time, including prints from 2020’s competition as well as the digital images selected from this year’s contest.

The Union’s annual exhibition, held at a different venue each year, showcases selected images from its membership. This year’s show is titled In Pursuit of Perfection: The Yorkshire Photographic Union Competition and takes place at the National Science and Media Museum. Due to lockdown, it combines both 2020 print and 2021 digital competition entries and will first launch on the museum’s website with the 2020 prints on Friday 16 April 2021, before physically opening to the public with the full selection of images once Government guidelines allow. The annual exhibition celebrates both the artistic ability and technical skill of the Union’s membership and each year attracts around 3000 entries, with 373 due to be displayed in gallery, including 201 prints and 172 digital images.

The impact of COVID-19 has been felt by photography clubs around the UK, and like many organisations they have had to adapt to operating virtually. The winning images for the 2020 competition were selected before the first lockdown in spring last year, but this year’s competition was judged virtually for the first time in the Union’s history.

The exhibition will include photographs in the categories of architecture, sport, nature, travel, and young photographer, amongst others. There are thirteen awards in total, eleven individual awards. one Society Award and one Best in Show to the individual with the most acceptances and awards.

Marilyn Roberts DPAGB BPE 3, President of the Yorkshire Photographic Union, commented: “The Annual Exhibition is the high point of the Yorkshire Photographic Union’s calendar. The Exhibition is a showcase for the best amateur photography in the county. I am thrilled, that despite the pandemic our members have continued to support the Exhibition and are just as keen as ever to present the best of their images.“

Peter Sykes, President of Bradford Photographic Society, added: “As the club from which the Yorkshire Photographic Union sprung, Bradford Photographic Society are delighted to be the nominal host club for this year's Exhibition.