Author archive: Brian

Just back from a two day conference in sunny Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite, and appropriately called the ‘Island of Love’. But that was mythology, and in reality Cyprus is a divided island. Nicosia, the capital, boasts ‘the last remaining divided capital in Europe’. On Thursday we walked from the Cypriot part of the city into the Turkish…

November 2 – 8, 2014 is International Polar Bear Week I am delighted that QUARK Expeditions have used one of the photos I took of a mother polar bear and her 6 month old cub from our 2011 North Pole trip, when I was the ship’s photographer. These magnificent animals are suffering greatly from the effects of…

A few years back, whilst researching my ‘Venezia Carnevale’ talk, I obtained permission from The Tate in London to photograph some of JMW Turner‘s ‘Venice paintings’ in the Clore Gallery – a great opportunity to see these masterpieces at very close quarter. Turner was greatly inspired by Venice and its amazing light during his later years. Well today…

Details of my next ‘Improve Your Photography’ day course at Neston CYC, on the Wirral. A stimulating, informative and entertaining few hours to help you take better and more creative shots. An ideal birthday or Xmas treat.

I present two illustrated discussion sessions for Year 10 science pupils at Christleton High School in Cheshire next week. These interactive sessions will look at mankind’s activities which are harming the world we know, causing global warming, CO2 rise, pollution and ecosystem destruction. But we also look ahead and discuss what we can all do…

A few years ago walking through Westminster in London, I literally bumped into a hero of mine. Terry Gilliam, ex Python, successful film maker and opera director. A lovely and most modest man, he was in a rush but we chatted for a minute about his work and he let me take a couple of…

To date I have met two ex Antarctic whalers. Both fresh looking and spritely, with incredibly sharp minds and amazing recollections, and both well into their 80’s. John and Tony worked for Salvesens in South Georgia, both working out of the Whaling station of Leith Harbour. Some of us reckon there must be life rejuvenating…

It is funny how sometimes you walk into a place and you feel comfortable and ‘at home’ straight away. That’s how I felt on my first visit to Dillington House in Somerset to run my first course and deliver a Sunday lecture. The venue is wonderful, the food fantastic and the staff under its Director Wayne Bennett, are…

Twenty-one people joined me on my first course at Dillington House in Somerset. We spent a full day looking at all aspects of the ‘Polar Worlds’ – the Antarctic and Arctic regions. A marvellous, diverse group of people attended, including Tony, the sprightly 89 year old, ex antarctic whaler, who also brought along ‘his teeth’,…