New Widnes artwork celebrates town history on New Street

The piece, titled The Winds of Change, was created by Liverpool artist Tony Mallon and unveiled on New Street in Widnes.

Inspired by the stories and memories of Widnes residents, it reflects changes in the town’s character over time.

The art by Liverpool artist Tony Mallon is titled ‘Winds of Change’ (Image: Supplied)

Tony Mallon said: “When you were chatting to local residents and shoppers, it seemed that it was, I wouldn’t say affectionately known as, but it was known as, the wind tunnel.

“I thought it would be quite apt to sort of maybe incorporate and use that somehow, somewhere in the artwork, but it just came sort of organically.

“It made sense.

“That it should be the title, and especially also because the artwork depicts and shows a lot of changes over Widnes’ history.”

The project was commissioned by Halton Borough Council and shaped by workshops with residents, including school sessions and interviews along the main street.

Tony Mallon held a workshop at Cronton Sixth Form College (Image: Supplied)

Mr Mallon said: “I wanted to hear their stories and memories of Widnes, and in particular of the town centre.

“What was interesting is that if you’re more of an elder resident who lives in Widnes, you’ve got so many experiences and those memories to draw on.

“But of course, not necessarily so much with a younger person, and it was interesting to see their take on the sort of the town centre, or whether they felt alienated from it, whether they could connect.

“They did to some extent, but the way they wanted to depict it in the artwork was completely different because they’re not drawing so much on those memories.

“And it was more to do with the green environment, to have more green spaces and trees.”

Artist Tony Mallon held a workshop at St Marie’s in Lugsdale (Image: Supplied)

Residents were invited to bring photographs and other mementoes to the workshops to help inform the final artwork.

Mr Mallon said many people expressed fond memories of the town’s former main street, recalling places like Calvert’s shop and Big Jim’s nightclub.

He said: “And what I said at the launch is that we have those treasured memories.

“During the launch people are walking along looking at the artwork, they would stop and they’d be reading someone’s story or memory, and then the next minute you see someone smile.

“So it’s that connexion to the word, but a connexion that I can relate.

“I can connect what’s being said there.”

The display is also intended to encourage visitors to explore more of the town centre beyond the shopping park.

He also held a workshop at St Luke’s in Farnworth (Image: Supplied)

Mr Mallon said: “This was seen as an opportunity to sort of draw people along, and then hopefully maybe they’ll then explore more than just that shopping park.”

Measuring 53.5 metres in length and almost fitting along one side of New Street, the artwork offers a journey through Widnes’ past.

Mr Mallon said: “It gives an opportunity for people to reclaim their town centre as well, having the opportunity to have public artwork in those spaces.

“It provides an opportunity to people to reconnect.”