Valerie Taylor testing and disproving Walter Starck’s theory that mimicking a predator of sharks should deter them, by wearing a suit patterned like a banded sea snake.
Subject or historical figure
Valerie Taylor
(born 1935)
Photographer
Ron Taylor
(1934 - 2012)
DateJuly 1984
Object numberANMS1458[575]
NamePhotographic slide
MediumColour transparency film, paper
DimensionsOverall (Inc carrier): 50 × 50 mm
Copyright© Valerie Taylor
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor
Collections
Today, their scientific legacy is more highly regarded. Through their film, photography, field testing and advocacy, the Taylors’ roles as science communicators and ocean environmentalists started to be recognised. Valerie was awarded the prestigious NOGI award for Arts, presented by the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences (AUAS) in 1981. This recognised her record of accomplishment and excellence, making a global impact on diving via the arts. Valerie has tirelessly advocated for protection and promoted greater understanding of Australian marine environments and dually, continually internationally awarded. Some of these achievements include being appointed the Rider of the Order of the Golden Ark (1986), Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia’s Serventy Conservation Medal (2001), Australian Geographic Lifetime of Conservation award (2008) and Member of the Order for Australia (2010).