In 2022-23 Historic England commissioned several photographers to work with local communities to capture images representative of their local high streets. This formed part of the Picturing High Streets project. In Prescot, Tony Mallon was commissioned as photographer. He wrote the following text to describe his work on the project: "I have been working in collaboration with local residents from Prescot since summer 2021. At the beginning of my residency, I explored Prescot Town Centre’s rich history with its residents through a series of Photography and Memory Fairs. People’s archival photographs and stories revealed how much the ‘High Street’ has played an important and fond role in their lives – their first kiss, watching television for the first time through a shop window or looking forward to your pick and mix sweets on a Saturday. A selection of these images and stories where displayed on shop fronts at three locations on the ‘high street’. It was beautiful to see/read what have been up to then private moments, usually only shared with family/friends become accessible to the public. It was fascinating getting a glimpse of people’s history. In 2022, I invited people to set up a local photography group to reimagine the high street and create a contemporary portrait of the area. Placing the cameras in the hands of local residents, through my support, they have become the documenters of their own community, using a combination of street photography and portrait techniques to tell their story. The weekly photography club at Prescot Church Hall, gave local residents the opportunity to develop their photographic skills and contribute to documenting their ‘High Street’. The group consisted of amateur photographers with mixed abilities/skills and people with no prior experience, however they were interested in taking part. The weekly photography walks have revealed for many Prescot’s rich and hidden history. The participant’s have highlighted that the ‘High Street’ should still be the beating heart of our town centres and have been enthusiastic about capturing a slice of social history – photographing shoppers, shop/business owners and their staff and the buildings/spaces they frequent most days to shop and socialise.
I’m so proud by the quality of work that has been produced and how the participants have embraced capturing their town centre. This collaboration and co-produced work has shown how the ‘High Street’ has evolved yet still gives a sense of identity and pride. A place that was, still is and should be for future generations it’s beating heart." 'Picturing England's High Streets' commission by Open Eye Gallery, Historic England and Photoworks.
Part of a collaborative project by Tony Mallon and the Prescot Photography Group.
This is part of the Sub Series: HEC01/128/01 Picturing High Streets: Photographer Residencies; within the Series: HEC01/128 Picturing High Streets; within the Collection: HEC01 Historic England
Contact Historic England Archive
Photographer: Mallon, Tony
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