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. This image is one from the second of two sets of images produced as part of the commission, in collaboration with members of the Prescot Church Hall Photography Club. Mallon wrote the following text to describe his work on the project: "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." The following information was submitted with this image: "Ann Jones, 81 years old, walking past the Shakespeare North Playhouse has lived in the area all her life. She remembers Eccleston Street was always busy, with every type of shop that you needed. Bakery, cakes, butchers, shoes, green grocers, clothes, florists, newsagents, hairdressers and ironmongers. The only large shops were Woolworths and the Co-op. There was even two cinemas, the Lime House on Eccleston Street and The Palace on Kemble Street.
When the Shakespeare North Playhouse was announced Ann states, “there was doubts that it was ever going to happen. Lots of new community projects were promised over the years and most never happened. But when the playhouse opened in 2022 it regenerated Prescot with new bars & restaurants. More people are now coming to Prescot during the day and in the evenings. And it’s not just Shakespeare plays, as there are talks, comedy, ghost story’s, music and in December I’m going to see The Wind In The Willows”.
Ann was a committed participant in the ‘Picturing the High Street’ photography project. She attended the Photography and Memory Fairs and became a member of the Prescot Photography Group. Both of these were delivered by artist in residence, Tony Mallon.
The Shakespearean era playhouse is based on the Cockpit-in-court theatre 1630 and earlier designs by the celebrated architect Inigo Jones. The rest of the four-storey building is of modern design and construction but with references to the period. On the Prospero Place elevation, the outer wall, part of which is seen in this photograph, is built “folded” to resemble the ruff, which was popular as an item of clothing in the 16th and 17th centuries, the period in which Shakespeare lived. A sunny day enhances the shapes of the wall, as seen in this photograph." '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 Job: HEC01/128/01/04/02 Picturing High Streets Photographer Residencies - Tony Mallon: Prescot - Prescot Church Hall Photography Club; within the Volume: HEC01/128/01/04 Picturing High Streets Photographer Residencies - Tony Mallon: Prescot; within 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
© Jim Stuart
Photographer: Stuart, Jim
21st Century Theatre, People
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