ALL 15 #InstaEssex finalists are set to have their images displayed at London Liverpool Street station and along branch line stations across Essex, helping to raise the profile of Essex culture at our key transport gateways.

Amongst the finalists is Brian Duffy

Harlow Playhouse Theatre Posters

Brian Duffy is based in Sawbridgeworth. As a photographer Duffy skilfully captures everything from, still life Macro shots, to grand expansive landscapes, from shooting sports to portraiture. Among his portfolio some of his most striking photographs are his street, urban, candid and documentary style images.

Brian has entered ‘Harlow Playhouse Theatre Posters’ into the #InstaEssex competition to highlight the breadth of Essex Culture.

“These posters on the side of Harlow Playhouse show that there is more to Essex than TOWIE. Rik Mayall, the famous comedian and actor was born in Harlow and Sir Charles Kao, who is recognised as the “father of broadband” through is fibre optic research, is recognised as the name of the University Technical College at Harlow College”.

The judges enjoyed the urban every day take on this image, intertwined with references to cultural celebrities from the area and modern architecture.

The overall winners of the competition will be announced at a presentation on the 24 March 2016, where they will be presented with a prizes of £1,000 (1st prize), £500 (2nd prize) and £250 (3rd prize).

The InstaEssex photography competition gave people the opportunity to share what Essex culture meant to them whether it was photos of buildings and architecture; our artwork and theatres; street art and local contemporary social culture, or perhaps an iconic image that sums up the county. This wide breath of culture in Essex shone through with diverse entries including images of a giant foot to the red arrows streaking across a sunny Clacton seafront.

The panels will be up at Liverpool Street Station from Thursday, 24 March 2016 until the end of May/beginning of June and at branch line stations from Saturday, 9 April.

The competition has been organised by Essex County Council’s Cultural team in partnership with Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership, Abellio Greater Anglia and Network Rail’s London Liverpool Street Station to deliver #InstaEssex. Thurrock and Southend unitary authorities, as well as the Essex Chronicle, have also been heavily involved in the competition to encompass the whole of Essex.

Cllr John Spence, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Finance, with responsibility for Heritage, Culture and the Arts, said: “I would like to congratulate the finalists of the competition and thank everyone who entered. The volume and quality of entries from amateurs and professionals alike has been wonderful, showcasing just how culturally diverse Essex is.

Helen Griffiths, #InstaEssex Project Manager said: “I put together this project to promote the photographers living and working in the county, whilst promoting the vast breadth of cultural activity happening across Essex. The idea is to encourage a discussion about what is Essex culture. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to work closely with our rail partners and a dream to be able to create an exhibition at these amazing stations.”

The competition was open to both amateur and professional photographers, with all entries available to view at www.exploreculture.org.uk/InstaEssex.