The Wellcome Image Awards 2009 showcases 19 extraordinary images, from capillary networks and liver cells to summer plankton and bird of paradise plant seeds.

These Awards recognise the creators of the most informative, striking and technically excellent images among recent acquisitions by the Wellcome Images collection of medical and historical images.

Selected by a panel of expert judges, the images have been created using techniques ranging from light and electron microscopy to illustration and photography.

See these images in person on the first floor of Wellcome Collection, opposite the entrance to the 'Medicine Now' gallery.

View the winning images at our dedicated Image Awards website.

This exhibition is free.