MEMBERS OF HOMELESS CHARITY, CRISIS, DISPLAY WORK AT WALKER ART GALLERY

Inspired by Linda McCartney Retrospective

Members of homeless charity, Crisis, were inspired by Linda McCartney Retrospective to create their own photographs for display at the Walker Art Gallery
Home for All gives members of Liverpool’s homeless community a platform upon which to share their view of the world
The photographs were taken during the first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020 when more than 4,000 rough sleepers were sheltered in temporary accommodation in the UK

Members of Liverpool’s branch of the homeless charity, Crisis, have produced a collection of photographs in response to the Linda McCartney Retrospective, on display at the Walker Art Gallery until 10 January.

Home for All comprises 12 photographs that vary from images of pets, to a view from a window and a pink plastic child’s guitar. Together they give the viewer an insight into the lives of people living in temporary accommodation.

The Crisis members were guided by their photography tutor to explore the style and technique of Linda’s work. The final body of work is humorous and tender but is also a candid depiction of the often harsh reality of their living environments.

John McGlone, Crisis Member said: “It was excellent to hear about our work being displayed in the Walker Art Gallery. It was pleasing to have the opportunity to show some of our work to the wider community, via the Linda McCartney Retrospective, and also to show some of the help, support and high-quality training and learning opportunities provided by Crisis.”

Paula Currie, Arts Coordinator, Crisis, said: “The photographs in Home for All provide a counterpoint to Linda’s exhibition, but there are similarities too. These are most evident in Linda’s portraits of marginalised communities - her work made them visible. This is also a priority for Crisis. We ensure that members of Liverpool’s homeless community are truly visible: that their stories and lives are seen, heard and acknowledged. Art plays a vital part in this process.”

Siobhan Cull, Learning and Participation Manager, National Museums Liverpool said: “Self-expression and access to the arts is fundamental to all of us so we’re very glad we have been able to bring Linda’s extraordinary work to the members of Crisis and we’re delighted it has resulted in this thought-provoking display.”

Linda McCartney Retrospective

Walker Art Gallery

Until 10 January 2021

Images of the most iconic artists and moments from the 1960s music scene, alongside intimate family moments and arresting pictures of the natural world, give visitors remarkable insight into Linda’s world and the way she approached her photography. In addition, a section featuring works never shown before of the family in Liverpool and Wirral has a special resonance with the gallery’s local audience.

The exhibition also includes contact sheets, ephemera, and archive materials, including some of Linda’s journals from the 1960s and several of her cameras. An array of Linda’s exquisite Polaroids and sun prints are beautiful examples of her creativity and interest in early photographic processes.

Entry to the Walker Art Gallery and Home for All is free but as part of Covid safety measures, tickets must be booked in advance: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Tickets for Linda McCartney Retrospective are available to purchase online at £9 for adults and £8 for concessions. Members of National Museums Liverpool receive free entry to the exhibition. To purchase tickets, or to become a member, visit: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/lindamccartney

Notes to editors

About the Walker Art Gallery

The Walker Art Gallery houses an internationally-renowned collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative art. It is one of Europe’s finest galleries, with a collection that ranges from outstanding modern and contemporary works to Medieval and Renaissance masterpieces. Some of the greatest British artists of the last century are represented in the modern and contemporary galleries, from Lucian Freud to David Hockney, while the Gallery’s Impressionist collection is not to be missed. The gallery is also home to the John Moores Painting Prize.

www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker

About National Museums Liverpool

National Museums Liverpool comprises eight venues, including some of the most visited museums in England outside of London. Our collections are among the most important and varied in Europe and contain everything from Impressionist paintings and rare beetles to a lifejacket from the Titanic. We attracted more than 3 million visitors in 2019. Our venues are the Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, the Walker Art Gallery, Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Border Force National Museum, Sudley House and the Lady Lever Art Gallery. National Museums Liverpool is regulated by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Museums and galleries regulated by DCMS are exempt charities under Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011. Registered Office: World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN.