A holography expert from Kew in Richmond has won an international award for his significant contributions to the art and science of photography.

Professor Martin Richardson, Chair in Modern Holography in the Department of Imaging and Communication Design at DMU, has been awarded this year’s Saxby Medal from The Royal Photographic Society (RPS), in recognition for his achievements and contributions to the advancement of holographic imaging – a unique form of photographic printing that creates a three-dimensional (3-D) effect on flat surfaces.

Professor Martin Richardson said: “I feel truly honoured. Very few people in the field of 3-D imaging have been fortunate enough to receive this highly prestigious award so it really is a super additive”

Regarded an “imaging pioneer”, Professor Richardson has produced holograms of many famous people, including film directors Martin Scorsese and Alan Parker, as well as the artist Sir Peter Blake and rock legend David Bowie – all of which has been documented in his first published book Spacebomb: Modern Holograms and Lenticular 1984 – 2004.

He has also been involved with various DMU projects, including the more recent creation of a unique holographic teaching resource which captures mouth shapes in 3D and could become a vital tool for speech therapists.

Other career highlights include the Chinese translation of his second book, The Prime Illusion: Modern Holography in the New Age of Digital Media, which was recently published by the Beijing University Communication Press.

Dr Gerard Moran, Dean of the Faculty of Art and Design said: “What better winner for this award for the art and science of photography? Martin sees no sharp distinction between art and science, and has long advocated the mutually complementary role each plays. I’m delighted for him and for what this award says about DMU’s approach to creative practice”.

Professor Richardson’s holograms are exhibited around the world and can be seen in two national collections including The National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford and The National Science Museum in London.

The Saxby Medal, endowed by Graham Saxby Hon FRPS, will be presented to Professor Richardson at The RPS annual awards ceremony on 19 November 2009.