Rare Photo Exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall Poyekhali! Yuri Gagarin and The Dawn of Space Exploration

RIA Novosti, Russia's leading news agency and Science Photo Library have collaborated for this exclusive photo showcase. The collection tells the story of Yuri Gagarin's life - from his birth until his untimely death in 1968. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) June 25, 2011 - London - This intimate exhibition runs at London's Royal Albert Hall as part of their Reflect exhibition series and features a wealth of iconic and previously unseen images from the photographic archives of RIA Novosti. There are three FREE public viewing days - where the collection is open to all:

Saturday 25th June: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Saturday 2nd July: 10.00am to 2.00pm
Sunday 3rd July: 11.00am to 3.00pm

People visiting the Royal Albert Hall for other events between 9th June and 4th July will also be able to view the exhibition.

Gary Evans, Manager of Scientific Relations at Science Photo Library said: "On 12 April 1961, Cosmonaut Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin became the world's first space man. Today, his name is recognised around the world and his legacy has changed the exploration of space forever. This collection provides a fascinating snapshot of Gagarin's life - both in front of the worlds' lenses and in private."

Irina Demchenko, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, UK Bureau Chief at RIA Novosti said: "Yuri Gagarin's flight 50 years ago irreversibly changed the world, proving that mankind is in fact a very close neighbourhood on this relatively small planet and we have to look after it and after our community. RIA Novosti is proud to present these pictures from its huge photo archive in such a fascinating place as the Royal Albert Hall in collaboration with our long-term partner Science Photo Library".

Wine and Talk: 'The First Man in Space...and the Man That Put Him There' There is also an exclusive wine and talk event being held in the evening of Sunday 26th June in the Royal Albert Hall's Elgar Room followed by a private view of the exhibition. Piers Bizony, author of 'Starman: The Truth Behind The Legend of Yuri Gagarin', will explore the complex relationship between Gagarin and Sergei Korolev - the brilliant and mysterious scientist behind the Soviet space programme - who, until his death, was never mentioned publicly by name.

Tickets for the wine and talk cost £10.00pp and include a glass of wine. Book online at www.royalalberthall.com or by telephone +44(0)20 7589 8212.

Further information:
Media enquiries should be directed to the Science Photo Library press office at Fire PR:
spl ( @ ) fire-pr dot com
020 7884 9123

For more information on the Royal Albert Hall and its exhibition series contact Sean Carrigan- seanc ( @ ) royalalberthall dot com or 020 7959 0531

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Twitter - ( @ ) SpacePhoto #SpacePhoto
Facebook - 'SPL Space Man'

RIA Novosti
RIA Novosti is Russia's leading news agency in terms of multimedia technologies, website audience reach and quoting by the Russian media. An integrated multimedia newsroom and a vast network covering over 45 countries of the world and the Russian regions allow RIA Novosti to deliver news and information in all possible formats, including video, animated infographics and pictures to professional clients and the end user in 14 languages. RIA Novosti has proven expertise in creating tailored interactive news & information services for mobile operators and content providers. Day after day RIA Novosti combines media expertise with innovative technologies to effectively reach its audience of millions.
Main multilingual news website: www.rian.ru / Photo website: www.visualrian.com

Science Photo Library
Science Photo Library is the world's leading provider of scientifically themed imagery. Independent and privately owned, SPL is renowned for the quality of its collection of over 350,000 images and 20,000 video clips created by photographers, illustrators, scientists and medical experts.
www.sciencephoto.com

Royal Albert Hall
The Royal Albert Hall is the world's most famous stage. Its breathtaking auditorium hosts over 380 shows a year by the world's greatest artists. The magical atmosphere combined with inspired artists creates legendary events. Opened in 1871 as part of Prince Albert's vision for a centre for the Arts and Sciences, it is a registered charity operating without public funding.

Extending the brand with over 150 events outside the auditorium, the Hall has broadened its appeal to younger, diverse audiences whilst still engaging its existing customers. It also works extensively with schools and young people through its Learning and Participation programme, reading over 30,000 participants each year.
www.royalalberthall.com

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