Somerset photographers create the Art of Science

Portraits of nine British scientists, commissioned by The British Council and taken by Somerset photographers Anita Corbin and John O'Grady, have recently been acquired by The National Portrait Gallery, London for its Collection and will be displayed for the first time from 26 August 2009 to 17 January 2010.

Most people would struggle to name more than one or two living British scientists. Thanks to Somerset-based professional photographers Anita Corbin and John O’Grady this could be about to change. Portraits of nine British scientists, commissioned by The British Council and taken by Anita and John, have recently been acquired by The National Portrait Gallery, London for its Collection and will be displayed for the first time from 26 August 2009 to 17 January 2010. Anita Corbin from Corbin O’Grady Studio in Wellington, explains, “The colour portraits were taken in 1989 for the series “Science in Profile” commissioned by The British Council. The pictures were taken by my partner John O'Grady and me over a three month period. There were 24 in total and the resulting set of portraits was Robert Edwards, pioneer of in-vitro fertilisation exhibited in the early nineties all over the world but never in Britain. The large colour prints will form part of the photographic archive of significant Britons at The National Portrait Gallery and will be exhibited for the first time in the UK in August.” Helen Trompeteler, Picture Librarian at the National Portrait Gallery, says that the Gallery is delighted to obtain these nine portraits which will be displayed within its new Science in Focus display. Anita remembers each portrait session clearly, "These guys are highly intelligent, but they were easy to talk to and we even understood most of what they were saying! They were all absolutely passionate about their subjects and we enjoyed capturing that passion in their pictures” Anita singles out Joe Farman, an environmental scientist, whose discovery of the ozone 'hole' has had consequences of far-reaching and global importance, describing him as “very intense and very straight talking regarding the troubles of the ozone layer.” more….. Page 2/Somerset photographers create the Art of Science One particular scientist, who will ring a bell with many people, is Robert Edwards who pioneered In vitro fertilization techniques at Bourn Hall Clinic at the time he was photographed in 1989 his work had helped to create over 2000 babies. Anita and John, of Corbin O’Grady Studio, have been working together since 1984 and moved their business from London to Wellington in 2001. Corbin O’Grady Studio specialises in making people look good! They are commissioned to create pictures ranging from portraiture using complicated lighting set ups to lifestyle photography under natural light. They produce images of top business people for the annual reports of prestigious clients, such as ICI plc and Boots plc and shoot editorial portraits for national colour supplements. Further information: Anita Corbin, Tel: 01823 662329 or mob: 07802 613911 www.corbinogradystudio.co.uk Press information and images from Jane Adkins, Tel 01935 813114 or email: jane@aheadforpr.co.uk or visit: www.aheadforpr.co.uk For more information on the National Portrait Gallery, visit: www.npg.org.uk Note to Editors: The nine scientists to be featured include: Michael Atiyah Donald Broadbent Robert Edwards Anthony Hewish Sir James Black John Maynard Smith Michael Green Cesar Milstein Joe Farman

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