Gazing at the Stars in Liverpool
03 November 2008
The Image Group celebrates our love of astronomy with large outdoor photography exhibition documenting stars, planets and galaxies as far away as 13 billion light years.
The Image Group, Eccles-based large-format printer has designed and installed the stunning photographic exhibition to be seen by hundreds of thousands of people worldwide during UNESCO’s International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009).
The exhibition prototype sponsored by The Science Photo Library and Astronet successfully debuted in Liverpool’s Albert Dock in June. The exhibition featured 26 dibond panels measuring 3m x 80 cm showing images of galaxies, planets, stars, the Milky Way and as near as the Moon and as far away as 13 billion light years.
Liverpool was chosen to host the prototype display being the European Capital of Culture for 2008. The Albert Dock is the UK’s greatest collection of listed grade one buildings which means the Image Group had to adhere to stringent installation conditions.
For Image Group Dave Cousins said, “We had to ensure that there were no visible signs of our work. We used stainless steel sign banding secured with jubilee clips. Any excess was cut off afterwards. This meant that there was no need to drill and everything could be pre-made at the factory to minimise any public disruption.”
“From the moment we began putting the signs up the crowds started forming. There was tremendous interest and it’s exciting to think so many people throughout the world will see our work over the coming months.”
The aim of The IYA2009 is to celebrate astronomy's contributions to society and culture, and to stimulate worldwide interest in astronomy. The exhibition called ‘From Earth to the Universe' uses a mixture of images from professional astronomers using the biggest and best telescopes in the world. But there images from backyard astronomers with home telescopes and digital cameras also feature.
To reach the widest possible audience for this travelling exhibition, it will be displayed in non-traditional public venues such as parks and gardens, shopping malls, metro stations and airports in major cities across the world.
For The Science Photo Library Gary Evans said, “The Image Group has helped us to transform our ideas into a truly workable and inspirational exhibition. It has been a challenge to develop an exhibition flexible enough to install in such a wide variety of locations.
"This international prototype project was landed with us in the UK at very short notice. The Image Group was instrumental in making sure the exhibition was delivered to the brief, on time and on budget. We have shown the way for the rest of the world to follow next year."
“The Image Group’s expertise throughout the process has been invaluable. Nothing was too much trouble. And their team’s prompt solutions at every stage have ensured that these dramatic astronomical photographs are consistently shown with best effect.
“The feedback from the public, astronomers and stakeholders alike in Liverpool has been better than we could have wished for.”
The panels are now being prepared for a touring exhibition in 2009.
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