First look at Fiddlers Ferry exhibition at Warrington Art Gallery

To mark 50 years of the power station, artist Shaun Smyth and photographer Lee Harrison were granted exclusive access to Fiddlers Ferry, which closed in 2020, during its decommissioning process.

They aimed to document the station and create a visual historical archive for future generations before it disappears.

And they have done so through various works of art and pictures that feature all across Warrington Museum and Art Gallery from today, Friday.

Roger Jeffery, producer at Culture Warrington said: “We expect this one to be very popular with visitors.

“It’s just a very stunning exhibition and you need to see it in real life to appreciate it.

“We have all seen pictures on our screens but you actually have to see this in real life to get a sense of the scale of some of these paintings and the photography."

Photo and art goes side by side in the exhibition

Another stunning work of art

Roger has helped to move some of the artwork into the museum – and given the size of them, it has not been the easiest task.

“Not at all,” continued Roger.

“The photographs were quite easy but one of Shaun’s oil paintings was just enormous and it took three of us to carry it.

“They aren’t on canvas, they are on really thick board because Shaun paints so thickly.

“It’s been a challenge getting them in but it’s definitely worth it.”

The exhibition takes place between Friday, July 15, and Sunday, October 2 and the museum is open Wednesday- Sunday.

One of the huge pieces of art in the museum

The exhibition features lots of photographs by Lee Harrison