A new larger than life outdoor exhibition has taken over Kirkby town centre as part of Knowsley’s Year as Liverpool City Region Borough of Culture.
‘‘Kirkbyography’ is a collection of images and stories that reflect the local community and their collective memories of the town presented in large format at 12 public sites across the town.
Through stories, photographs, artwork and memorabilia the exhibition celebrates and documents the many personal histories of Kirkby, past and present. You can pick up a trail map for the exhibition at Kirkby Gallery or download it online here
The project has been made possible – thanks to National Lottery players – with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Additionally, the community project saw local residents, school children and people with a connection to the town working with a team of creatives to help create a visual biography of Kirkby, which will form part of a second exhibition in summer 2023.
The exhibition is also intended to inspire others to share their own stories and memories of Kirkby and over four days, a special ‘Kirkbyography’ taxi will be touring the town, inviting people in to reminisce.
You’ll find the taxi:
Fri 18 November: 1pm – 3.30pm at Morrisons/Home Bargains car park
Sat 19 November: 11am – 3pm at Kirkby Train Station
Mon 21 November: 11am – 1.30pm at Kirkby Leisure Centre and 2pm – 4pm at Mill Dam Park
Tues 22 November: 3pm – 7.30pm at All Saints Catholic High
Cllr Shelley Powell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “This exhibition is such wonderful reflection of Kirkby’s rich history and it’s amazing to see such a wide variety of stories, from people who came here to build the town in the 1960’s to others who only moved in recent years and reflect on what a warm welcome they have received. I’d urge everyone to pick up a map and find some time to discover Kirkby through the eyes of the people who know it best.”
What local people had to say about Kirkby:
- “ I grew up in Northwood and remember having my photograph taken with a squirrel monkey but not wanting to give him back”
- “ I remember there being a mobile van on nearly every road in Kirkby that would sell anything and everything. It was a little bit more expensive but well worth it.”
- “My mum used to work in a posh house on a private estate at the side of St. Chad’s. She used to make my mum toast with Lurpak on and when I went to help mum it was an absolute luxury as we only ever had ‘marg’.”
