The best garden photography from around the world has been celebrated with an exhibition.
A special event was held at the National Trust property near Grantham on Wednesday evening (April 1), honouring the winners of the International Garden Photographer of the Year’s special Beauty of Belton Estate competition.
Two of the winners, Kristina Klimenko and Anne Stephens, along with shortlisted finalist Claire Saunders, were in attendance and were handed their certificates and prizes, including tickets to the Christmas at Belton lights trail, by Belton’s general manager Ian Cooper. Their photographs are now on display in large format in the gardens, alongside all the winners from the main competition.
The winners of the IGPOTY Beauty of Belton Estate competition next to the display. From left, Ian Cooper, Kristina Klimenko, Jon Pear, Claire Saunders and Anne Stephens. Photo: Supplied/National Trust
Chris Upton was awarded first place for his atmospheric image ‘Out for a Walk’ depicting a misty morning on the south avenue with a runner and dog walker in the distance.
He wasn’t able to attend the event but said: “I was thrilled to discover that I’d won the IGPOTY Beauty of Belton Estate award, with three more of my images also making the final selection.
“Belton is an extraordinary place for photography – offering endless inspiration from the grandeur of the house to the elegance of the gardens, the charm of the conservatory, the beautiful Fishing Lodge, and the sweeping parkland beyond. No matter the season, Belton never fails to spark creativity.”
The winning image in the IGPOTY Beauty of Belton Estate competition by Chris Upton. Photo: Supplied/Chris Upton
Kristina Klimenko, who is used to being on the other side of the camera as a former model, was awarded second place in the competition. Her image, titled ‘Framed in Light’, focused on the windows in the conservatory and she explained why she was inspired to take it: “I remember the day I took the photo; it was just magical in the conservatory because we’d had the first warm days of spring and that’s why it was a bit steamy and misty inside. I thought how the light was coming through the window just looked amazing and I needed to capture that.”
Anne Stephens’ photograph ‘Autumn Colour’ placed third and celebrates the gardens’ stunning hues of red and orange with a starring role for one of its charismatic residents, a squirrel. She said: “It’s just amazing to see my photo on display with not just the other prize winners from the Belton section, but the international winners as well, to have an image of mine up there with some from the best in the world – by definition!”
The winners of the IGPOTY Beauty of Belton Estate competition enjoy their photos on display with Belton general manager Ian Cooper and judge Jon Pear. Photo: Supplied/National Trust
Professional photographer and Belton volunteer Jon Pear, whose own images celebrating the estate can be enjoyed in Belton’s 2027 calendar and who offers regular photography workshops there, is on the judging panel. He said: “I relish the challenge of judging the images submitted because they show diverse views of Belton Estate and give a wide interpretation of what this special place has to offer.”
The exhibition will be available to enjoy in Belton’s gardens until May 27 with other activities including the family Mini Beast-er Easter trail and The Garden of Hope mental health awareness display by Evelyn’s Butterfly Effect currently running alongside it.
Find out more and plan your visit to the exhibition at nationaltrust.org.uk/Belton.
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