This summer, Kirkby’s rich history is brought to life through Kirkbyography, a photographic exhibition featuring a selection of iconic imagery from Kirkby photographer, John Wakefield, which reflects on Kirkby’s changing story over recent decades.
John, who sadly passed away in 2022, was a highly respected member of Kirkby’s local community and thanks to his photography, this exhibition captures day-to-day life in the town and tells the story of the local area.
The exhibition is a continuation of the Kirkbyography project that launched during Knowsley’s year as the Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture in 2022, in which a collection of images and stories reflecting the local community and their collective memories of the town were presented in large format at 12 public sites and at each school in the town.
As part of the initial exhibition, Kirkby residents were invited to come and share their stories and memories of the town in the back of a special black cab. These stories and more captured over the last year are included in a specially commissioned film that accompanies the exhibition.
Cllr Shelley Powell at the Kirkbyography exhibition at Kirkby Gallery
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “It’s fantastic to welcome Kirkbyography back to the town. The first exhibition uncovered some incredible stories, legends and folklore about the area which are now featured in the Kirkbyography film.
“John Wakefield’s photographs are an amazing visual archive of Kirkby through the decades and it’s so wonderful that his talent, legacy and connection to the town are at the heart of this exhibition.”
Kirkbyography is at Kirkby Gallery from 14 August – 14 October
Kirkby Gallery is located on the first floor of The Kirkby Centre, Norwich Way, Kirkby, Knowsley, L32 8XY.
The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm (last entry at 4.30pm). On Saturdays it is open from 10am to 1pm (last entry at 12.30pm).