BT Road to 2012: a Lasting Record of the Games

    LONDON, ENGLAND, July 18, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A week before the London Olympics get under way, a special exhibition of Olympic and Paralympic photographic portraits is unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery in a summer-long show that runs from 19 July to 23 September free to the public.

Celebrating those who are collectively making the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games happen, the National Portrait Gallery/BT Road to 2012 features images of not only athletes but those working behind the scenes as well as those people living and working in the host boroughs for the London Olympic Games.

Offering a fascinating narrative to the build-up to the greatest show on Earth, BT Road to 2012 is the culmination of a three-year project that aims to create a lasting record of those who are contributing to this historic event.

Sporting figures photographed include a blend of renowned athletes and aspiring young British Olympians such as triple jumper Phillips Idowu, swimmers Ellie Simmonds and Rebecca Adlington, diver Tom Daley, heptathlete Jessica Ennis, gymnast Beth Tweddle and Paralympian Nathan Stephens.

Key political and cultural movers and shakers responsible for staging the event have also been captured for posterity - including the likes of Locog chairman Sebastian Coe, Cultural Olympiad director Ruth Mackenzie, Team GB kit designer Stella McCartney, Opening Ceremony artistic director Danny Boyle, Aquatics Centre architect Zaha Hadid and Olympic Ambassador Sir Steve Redgrave.

BT Road to 2012 above all celebrates inspirational achievement - and that includes the massive contribution of the many selfless people working behind the scenes, such as trainers, relatives, builders, engineers, consultants, infrastructure experts and local residents of the five host boroughs of Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Newham and Greenwich.

The aim of this ambitious photographic project is to remind everyone of the hard work and dedication that has gone into staging the Games - and to emphasise that while an Olympic event may be over in a flash, the lasting legacy of the Games will be felt for generations to come.

High-profile photographers sharing the story of the Games so far include Brian Griffin, Emma Hardy, Bettina von Zwehl, Finlay MacKay, Nadav Kander, Jonathan Anderson and Edwin Low. Their 100 world-class photographic portraits will be on show at the National Portrait Gallery from 19 July for the entire duration of the Olympics and Paralympics until 23 September.

The free exhibition requires no ticket or advanced booking and is open Mon-Wed, Sat & Sun (10am to 6pm), Thurs & Fri (10am to 9pm). The National Portrait Gallery is located a hop, skip and jump away from the bright lights of the West End on the north edge of Trafalgar Square.

For more information on the event and the London 2012 Olympics see LondonTown.com

LondonTown.com is the number one Internet site for London. With over 16 years of experience assisting visitors to the capital, they pride themselves on their customer service and editorial independence - no advertising or paid for content is allowed. The LondonTown.com team assist in finding cheap London hotels, sightseeing tours, ticket information and events. Trusted and with a loyal following, LondonTown.com is a very reliable source of recommendations and advise on what to do in London.

Website: http://www.londontown.com

# # #