Photography exhibition ‘Picturing Eccles’ to open this September

A new photography exhibition ‘Picturing Eccles’ which aims to preserve the town’s history will open at Eccles Library this September.

The photography project by the town’s Photographer in Residence Paula Keenan will be showcased in Eccles Library and in shop windows around the town centre from Friday September 6 to October 19.

As the regeneration of Eccles town centre continues, Picturing Eccles is an initiative designed to preserve the history of the town and its residents through existing photographs of ‘beautiful’ memories created locally.

Paula wanted to involve the people of Eccles and encouraged all amateur photographers to look at the town through a new lens. She put a call out to anyone who is part of a group in the area to record their activities and celebrate their achievements.

Paula visited a wide range of local groups including church bell-ringers, allotment holders, chess players, pub goers (plus much more), and led photography walks around the town with local historian Mark Charnleyto learn new skills and heritage facts.

New photographs are also being taken to sit alongside them in order to celebrate the future of Eccles and its growing community.

Eccles’ Photographer in Residence Paula Keenan says: “As a socially engaged photographer working in Eccles, the last 9 months has confirmed why I originally started working with communities.  You never know where the journey you are embarking will take you as you meet new people and share their memories and stories.

“I was invited by many groups to talk about the Picturing Eccles project and I have been rewarded with warmth, hospitality and generous donations of archive photographs and shared memories. This project has enabled me to meet many keen photographers who not only displayed their passion for photography but their commitment and loyalty to being part of the community in Eccles and promoting it as a great place to live.

“I would also like to thank the group of photographers who took part in weekly workshops, for the time and commitment they spent sharing skills and knowledge with each other. Thank you to everyone who has given me the opportunity to create new work in Eccles.”

Salford City Council and Open Eye Gallery teamed up to deliver the vision.

Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith said: “The exhibition opening in September will offer a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with the town’s narrative in an intimate and personal way. It’s heartwarming to see the community’s involvement, especially the contributions from amateur photographers and local groups, which add depth and authenticity to this project.

“As Eccles continues to regenerate, Picturing Eccles stands as a testament to our collective pride and resilience. It encourages us all to see our surroundings through a renewed perspective, appreciating both our past and the exciting future ahead.”

Picturing Eccles is part of a programme of events linked to the plans to deliver a new, shared vision for the redevelopment and revitalisation of Eccles. The ambitious regeneration programme aims to create a vibrant town centre through major change.

Featured image credit: Eccles Precinct – Martin Sharp (date: unspecified)