This week saw the final judging take place at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall of the Darwin200 Big Art competition.

To mark the 200th birthday of Charles Darwin, the John Dyer Gallery, Falmouth Art Gallery, Newquay Zoo and National Maritime Mu`seum Cornwall invited children from across the UK to take part in a competition to produce a work of art inspired by Darwin’s famous voyage in HMS Beagle and the discoveries he made.

John Dyer, gallery said: “A big thank you to all the children who entered the exhibition and to all the parents and teachers who encouraged and supported their work. We want creativity to be at the centre of every child’s life and believe that it is one of the vital ingredients of childhood.”

Over 200 entries were received from all over the UK and they are on display now at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall and online at www.johndyergallery.co.uk.

The winning entries will also go on display at Falmouth Art Gallery in August and the winners will be invited to a special prize giving event at Falmouth Art Gallery on 29 August.

Photo: The judges from the left:

Artist John Dyer, Louise Krogsriis from Falmouth Art Gallery, Exhibitions Curator at NMMC Milly Newman, Director Falmouth Art Gallery Brian Stewart and Education Officer at Newquay Zoo Mark Norris.