Stunning images capturing the finest moments of reflection, drama and colour from Michael Palin's eight acclaimed BBC series go on show at a new free exhibition at the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) from December 2012.

‘Travels with Michael Palin'( 3 December - 25 January 2013) provides an intimate look at the work of Basil Pao, whose photographs have documented the work of one of the UK's best-loved broadcasters and writers for nearly 25 years, marking the end of Michael's three-year tenure as the Society's President earlier this year.

Basil, unseen behind the lens, has expertly captured thousands of still photographs of Michael's travels around the globe, over the Poles and across the Himalayas, since first working with him in 1988.

Commenting on Basil's influence, Michael says: "Basil is one of the finest still photographer's in the business and has become indispensable on my journeys. He loves good food and drink, takes lots of amazing photographs, and wears a straw hat everywhere ensuring that I never lose sight of the film crew."

The choice of pictures has been curated by Basil to reflect the global diversity and range of people and places encountered by Michael Palin on his travels. From stunning images taken during the current series ‘Brazil' - including Michael and crew on the Rio Negro at sunset in the Pantanal - to evocative and haunting photographs from earlier classic journeys including ‘The Cemetery', a graveyard for cars on the road to Tamanrasset in Algeria, where thousands of dreams of driving across the Sahara have met their end.

Dr Rita Gardner, Society Director, said: "We are delighted that Basil has chosen to exhibit his work at the Society - not only is this a very fitting way to celebrate Michael's contribution to the Society as President over the past three years, but also a natural fit with our own rich photographic collections which span the history of travel and exploration since the invention of photography."

Entry to the exhibition is free. It will run from 10am - 5pm, Monday 3 December - Friday 25 January 2013 (including weekends), but excluding the period when the Society is closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays from Friday, 21 December - Tuesday, 1 January 2013 (inclusive).
 

ENDS
 

Notes to editors

1. For further details and requests for images, please contact Communications and Media Officer, Alex Jackson,press@rgs.orgor 020 7519 3019.
    
   

2. Travels with Michael Palin is on show at the Pavilion of the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). 1 Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AR (Use Exhibition Road entrance). Date: 3 December - 25 January, 2013. Monday - Friday 10am - 5pm. Free Entry. The nearest tube station is South Kensington.
    

3. The Royal Geographical Society (with The Institute of British Geographers) is the learned society and professional body for geography. Formed in 1830, our Royal Charter of 1859 is for 'the advancement of geographical science'. Today, we deliver this objective by developing, supporting and promoting geography through research, expeditions and fieldwork, education, and public engagement, while also providing geographical input to policy. We aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of our world. We hold the world's largest private geographical collection and provide public access to it. We have a thriving Fellowship and membership and offer the professional accreditation 'Chartered Geographer'www.rgs.org
    

4. Basil Pao began his photographic career in 1980 on his return to Hong Kong after ten years in the United States, where he was art director for Atlantic Records and Album Graphics Inc. in New York and Warner Brothers Records in Los Angeles. His design work during that time included the book for the Monty Python filmLife of Brian, where he first worked with Michael Palin. They have since collaborated on 11 illustrated books based on the BBC travel seriesPole to Pole,Full Circle,Hemingway Adventure,Sahara,Himalaya,New EuropeandBrazil. He is also the author ofHands,China RevealedandYi'Jing-Book of Changes, which accompanied hisThe Great Walls of China Seriesexhibition. His corporate work includes the limited editionsAMAN,BhutanandAMAN2for Amanresorts;OM-Ordinary Moments,CMYK|ChinaandShan Shui-Mountain|Waterfor Printer Trento, and most recently, ATale of Two Venturesfor Wah Kwong Shipping. Basil's travel essays and other assignments, including his photography for Bernardo Bertolucci'sThe Last EmperorandLittle Buddha, have appeared in publications and exhibitions all around the world.www.basilpao.com