Picture perfect Peak District

The gallery, upstairs at Bakewell Visitor Centre in the Old Market Hall, showcases the Peak District national park’s finest views including iconic landscapes, farm animals, wildlife and plants.

The new, permanent display space has been created by the Peak District National Park Authority not only to highlight the beauty of the area but to support a newly formed group of local professional landscape and wildlife photographers in selling their work.

The photographers are: Ian Daisley, Graham Dunn, Karen Frenkel, Chris Gilbert and Alex Hyde.

Don Symonds who manages the historic centre, said: “The gallery has transformed our display area. They say ‘a picture speaks a thousand words’ and these fantastic photographs each tell a story about different aspects of the Peak District.

“We hope visitors and residents will enjoy exploring the seasonal collections and perhaps discover something new about the area from a different perspective.

“People might be inspired to visit some of the less well-known corners of the national park and find out more about its special qualities.”

Photographs feature breathtaking scenes of natural beauty, close-up shots of characterful cattle, artistic takes on wildflowers, and much more.

Don added: “The joy of the gallery is that if people see a view they like, they can buy it and take it home to enjoy and relive their memories.”

Award-winning photographer Karen Frenkel said: “We are all passionate about the Peak District National Park and that’s why we have been out there in all weathers, at all hours, to capture its wonderful diversity.

“We are excited to be working with the national park authority on this project and hope people will feel that our images do the place justice.”

The gallery is a new joint business venture for the national park authority in order to generate income following changes in public sector funding. It builds on the centre’s growing reputation for showcasing the work of the National Park’s finest artists and craftspeople and the authority will receive a share of profits from sales.

The fully accessible gallery has been laid out imaginatively to make the most of Bakewell visitor centre’s upper floor space, with informal seating and an activity area for children.

A programme of activities, events and ‘guest’ photographer displays is planned. Information on the gallery and the work of these award-winning photographers can be seen online at www.peakgallery.co.uk

The gallery is open every day, except Christmas Day and Boxing Day from 10am to 5pm. For more information call Bakewell visitor centre on 01629 816558.

The photography gallery was set up with the help of a £1,500 grant from the Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.

The gallery was officially opened by the Duke of Devonshire on March 16.

The Duke of Devonshire said: “I am delighted to open the Peak District Photography Gallery. It’s an important addition to Bakewell and a really exciting opportunity for people to get closer to the landscape. The beautiful images on display are a wonderful way for people to experience the truly special qualities of the National Park. I congratulate the Peak District National Park Authority for forging a new business venture with this group of talented professional landscape and wildlife photographers.”