"Thank you very much indeed for these two wonderful volumes. I am still struggling to find the right adjectives. Monumental is hardly enough, for they are clearly that. Stupendous, revelatory, absorbing, magnificent, all come to mind. I cannot think of anyone who could possibly have produced such rich and astounding memoirs. Your video library must be unbelievably rich. I imagine you will have devised some fantastic way of storing and classifying images, so that any one can immediately be summoned on to a screen with not more than half a dozen – is ‘strokes’ the right word? I don’t know. I don’t even use the internet. Anyway, I am flattered indeed that you should have sent me a set and already find them absorbingly interesting...

...I have greatly enjoyed working with Chris on the various 3D films we have made. He is such a joy to have on a team – so resourceful and cheerful."

Sir David Attenborough

World’s Foremost Natural History presenter and writer.

I first came across Dr Peter Parks of Oxford Scientific Films when I was in the BBC’s Natural History Unit. In 1968, he was, together with other members of Oxford Scientific Films making a film about plankton for the BBC2’s prestigious World about Us series. It was a truly exceptional programme exploring the world of plankton by means of outstanding macro photography made possible by Peter’s expertise in marine zoology, and cine photography by means of his extraordinary optical bench. It was a great success. A decade later his multifaceted talents for filming plankton featured in the opening episodes of David Attenborough’s Life on Earth. His work regularly featured in both the BBC’s and other broadcasting channels for many years.

At a time when the oceans of the world are of being overexploited and under pressure from climate warming, I can think of no one better suited to establish with the help of other marine specialists a permanent but evolving Ocean Centre in Charlestown. Any enterprise which helps the ecosystems of this planet and leads to a better understanding and appreciation of the role that wildlife plays – and this includes plankton – is worthy of support, and I would certainly visit it.

Dr John Sparks

Former Head, BBC Natural History Unit.

I learn with great interest the efforts of the Ocean Surface Centre team to establish a permanent and dynamically changing exhibit, in Charlestown, with a key aim of aim showcasing the nature and vital importance of the Ocean’s surface waters and its fauna and flora. As we now appreciate, unravelling and interpreting the short- and long-term changes in climate is fundamental to the prosperity of planet Earth and all its lifeforms, and study of the Ocean waters and its ecosystems is central to that task. The prospect of adding a tall ship build and repair facility would marvellously compliment the aims of the project (and not least it would recall the heroic 19th century efforts of, e.g., HMS Challenger and its pioneer surveys of the marine realm). I can see that the whole would be a unique facility and an exciting draw for both the scientific ‘life’ community and the general public at large. I much hope that the project is successful and I look forward to following its progress and to visiting and using the facility in due course.

David Siveter BSc, PhD, DSc

Emeritus Professor of Palaeontology 
School of Geography, Geology & the Environment

University of Leicester

I have lately become aware of plans for the potential development of a major new exhibit in Charlestown, under the design and installation direction of Peter Parks, focusing on the Ocean’s Surface biota, together with an associated Tall Ship facility.  Peter Parks has devoted most of his career to the photography and study of marine plankton, with emphasis on superlative 3-D imaging of these microscopic lifeforms; that his output is recognised as world class is evidenced by the award to him of a Hollywood Oscar for technical innovation. 

 The addition to the exhibit of the libraries and knowledge of other experts includes involvement of some of the world’s most stellar photographers and documenters of marine life: Roger Steene, Rob Vandaloos, Professor Christian and Noé Sardet, and Professor Peter Herring. Their combined libraries provide an immensely rich and arguably in many respects unparalleled bank of marine life images.  From this resource there is the promise of an outstanding exhibit, one that would attract the general public through amazing graphics to appreciate the critical importance of marine biodiversity, climate change, and conservation matters for the health of the planet.  It would very much complement the terrestrial-based Eden project and raise another significant environmental flag in Cornwall.   

It is unsurprising therefore that I write to strongly endorse the exhibit in principle; given the underpinning of it by the photographic and scientific expertise in question, I look forward to seeing the exhibit vision realised and to visiting it.

Derek J. Siveter  BSc, PhD, DSc

Lapworth Medallist of the Palaeontological Association

Peter - it’s STUPENDOUS !!  And you’re a little too ‘modest' about the quality !!!    And I have to say NONE of those details are boring to me.  This is the 5th stereo book we’ve produced, and all of those solutions are the result of Trial by Fire !!  

Brian May

‘Queen’ Lead Guitarist, Cosmologist and 3-D devotee

You never do anything by halves sir!

Two immaculate memoirs, beautifully illustrated and lovingly composed arrived ….I can’t wait to get inside the books and really enjoy discovering the meanderings of the Parksian mind!

Thanks so much for writing them and sharing them…you are one of a kind.  

Mike Slee.

Imax Wildlife Film Director and multiple award winner.

(I) take great delight in reading this Opus Magnus which is a literally a piece of film making history and should belong to the BFI! Thank you so much for thinking of me and as said I will take great delight in reading and learning from this magnificent distillation of half a century of pioneering genius!

Mark Brownlow

Senior BBC Nat Hist Unit Producer.

Truly magnificent Peter – Bravo! …

 It has been an honour to have been able to work with you and to have been the beneficiary of your incredible talents.

Jonathan Barker

Head of Imax distribution and production at SK Films, Canada.

Past Head of Imax Film Production.