Metal

Made in St Helens was a striking exhibition of superb portrait, architectural and landscape photography celebrating the town, its unique history and the stories of its residents. The men featured in the exhibition are all regulars at The Turks Head pub in Morley Street, St. Helens.

The photographs formed the basis for a wider collaboration between London-based photographer, Phil Starling, and local musician and arts director, Ian Brownbill, who worked with the men from The Turks Head to create a publication that will provide a perspective on St. Helens history that captures the town’s industrial heritage. Through personal memories and reflections on the role that Mothers have played in the men’s lives, the future publication will provide a unique snapshot of changing society reflecting on the town’s past and contemplating its future.

Ian Brownbill is a former soloist with the world renowned Black Dyke Mills band. He has written articles for numerous music journals and collaborated with writer Jimmy McGovern on the widely acclaimed King Cotton theatre production in 2007. Ian is director of Metal, Liverpool.

Phil Starling has over 25 years of experience as a photographer, earning a reputation as one of the leading location photographers in the UK, and winning awards for his portrait photography. His clients include BMW, British Airways and Sainsbury's, while his images of people have graced a series of books and magazines.
www.philstarling.co.uk

Marie Rimmer CBE, Leader of St Helens Council opened the exhibition claiming it was the best she had seen in the town and further describing the work 'as a very important collection of memories'.

Exhibition dates: 24 March - 2 April 2011

Venue: The Godfrey Pilkington Art Gallery, 1st Floor, Gamble Building, (above Central Library), Victoria Sq, St. Helens, WA10 1DY