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: "Cath O’Grady, started dancing at the age of 2, some 42 years ago. She went on to dance professional, teach for a number of years and then took over the dance school. She has seen many of her students over the years go on to dance professionally and/or go into teaching as a professional career. Students who danced with them are now bringing their children back to them.
For many years they were based just a short distance away in Huyton and were lucky enough to move into their own premises above the shop in 2021.
Her love of dance took her along a secondary route and into retail in 2015, bringing the very best dance wear and accessories to their local dancers via The Dance Shop and more recently nationally and internationally via their online shop.
The shop opened in April 2015 in Prescot Shopping Centre as a small unit and grew into the premises they have today on 69-71 Eccleston Street in January 2020.
There is a massive dance industry across Liverpool and the UK and they are delighted to be able to provide a first class service to allow dancers to become the best version of themselves." '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
© Paula Prescott
Photographer: Prescott, Paula
21st Century Shop, People
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