Attenborough's distinguished broadcasting career, which spans over fifty years, began in 1952 when he joined the BBC Television Talks department. He launched his first Natural History programme Zoo Quest in 1954, and in 1957 formed the BBC's Travel and Exploration unit. In 1965, as Controller of the BBC, Attenborough was responsible for the introduction of colour television into Britain. He is celebrated for writing and presenting the 'Life' series comprising Life on Earth (1979), The Living Planet (1984) and The Trials of Life (1990). Attenborough's numerous specialised surveys include Life in the Freezer (1993) and Life in Cold Blood, being broadcast this spring.
Richard Boll, winner of the 2006 Photographic Portrait Prize, was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, in association with BBC TV, to photograph the winner of The Culture Show's 'Living Icons' of Britain competition. Attenborough won following a poll of viewers and Gallery visitors.
Previous Photographs of the Month
