‘A PICTURE is worth a thousand words’ – not one of Shakespeare’s quotes for once, but that of 1920s advertising executive Fred R Barnard.
Bard and Barnard combine after a fashion as a photo taken of a mask-wearing loved-up couple outside Shakespeare’s Birthplace has been selected for a marketing campaign to attract visitors to the UK.
The picture – taken by John Sheehan – was one of 40 winners in the ‘Great Exposure Photography Competition’ which will be seen by millions of people from around the world.
The pictures will displayed all around Heathrow Airport and on trains running to and from it.
Launched in partnership with the Royal Photographic Society, the project aimed to show passengers a fresh view of the UK, as seen through the eyes and lenses of the public.
The project forms part of the government’s ongoing work to promote the UK around the world to drive trade, tourism and attract more international students.
The display of photos captures the spirit of all four corners of the nation – the likes of Bow Fiddle Rock in Scotland, Rievaulx Abbey in North Yorkshire, Pentre Ifan in Pembrokeshire, and Gortin Glen Forest Park in County Tyrone.
Emma Gilthorpe, chief operating officer at Heathrow Airport and one of the competition judges, said: “It is fantastic to see the UK’s rich cultural diversity on show through this brilliant new photography exhibition. I am delighted that passengers arriving at Heathrow will be greeted by these photos, celebrating diverse perspectives and our innovative, welcoming spirit.”
