MARTIN PARR PRESENTS PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE

Jacqueline Marshall's winning photograph is attached. If you would likecopies of any other finalists, or would like a picture of Martin Parrwith the finalists, then please let me know.Top prize winners of the ‘This is Margate photography competition’were announced this week (Monday 20 December) by internationallyrenowned photographer Martin Parr.Over 60 people braved the elements to attend a special celebrationevent in Margate which saw Jacqueline Marshall’s ‘A SecretMargate’ clinching the overall top prize as voted for by thepublic. As part of the competition, members of the public were asked to votefor their favourite photo within six different themes, all celebratingthe rich diversity that Margate has to offer. Almost 1,200 votes werereceived and the finalists receiving the most public votes in theircompetition themes were:Theme 1 - Margate’s heritage: Volker JottkandtTheme 2 - A Secret Margate: Jacqueline MarshallTheme 3 - Active Margate: Tracy StempleTheme 4 - Natural Margate: Giles TollerTheme 5 - Creative Margate: Daniel McClarrenTheme 6 - My Margate: Tim StubbingsAll six finalists were presented with a framed copy of theirphotograph, with £500 shopping vouchers going to the overall winner andthe five runners up each receiving £25 shopping vouchers.VIP guest judge Martin Parr, also gave his seal of approval to threeadditional photographs awarding Gerardo Calia a special prize for hisWalpole Bay cream tea photo and highly commending Peter Davis for hissnowy bandstand and Rosie Anton for her tea at the Nayland Rock Hotel. All three winners received their own framed photo, and top prize winnerGerardo Calia also received £100 shopping vouchers and a signed bookfrom Martin Parr.The competition, which attracted almost 400 photographic entries frommembers of the public, was held to kick start the development of aMargate photo library which will be used to promote the town ready forthe opening of the Turner Contemporary in Spring 2011. From theentries, 30 photographs were selected by a panel of judges which thenwent to the public vote. Members of the public were able to vote fortheir favourite online or by calling in to the Tudor House in Margate.Top Magnum Photographer, Martin Parr, said: “I was impressed by therich variety of images submitted for the competition. I am delighted tosee that even a wet day can be turned into a great photo. My ownspecial prize was awarded to Gerardo Celia for this timeless photographof this great Margate institution of afternoon tea at the Walpole BayHotel.”Director of the Margate Renewal Partnership, Derek Harding, said:“This whole process has been really exciting and I’m so pleasedthat it has captured the imagination of so many local people. Thephotographs submitted by the public have been stunning which madeselecting the shortlisted candidates really tricky. As well ascongratulating our well deserved prize winners, I would also like to saya big thank you to everyone who took the time to take part and also toour panel of judges, in particular Martin Parr. Having such an acclaimedphotographer involved has been an honour and has really helped tocapture the creative passion local people have for Margate. I can’twait to see how the photos will be used to help promote the town in thecountdown to the opening of Turner.”Leader of the council Cllr Bob Bayford, said: “I’d like to thankeveryone who sent in a photograph and to congratulate our winners. It’s an absolute delight to see our terrific town shown off to suchgreat effect”.