A SNAPSHOT of 1950s life in the area will be on show at Newton-le-Willows library later this month.

An exhibition that sheds light on the borough’s heritage is due to be unveiled at Newton-le-Willows Library, as part of the award-winning Cultural Hubs, arts in libraries programme.

The St Helens Through the Lens project began in 2016 when a Heritage Lottery Fund grant was awarded to St Helens Local History and Archives to digitise, preserve, share and explore a collection of over 3,000 glass plate negatives discovered in a former photography studio in the 1980s.

The photographs were taken by Geoff Williams, of Central Studios, and include images of people, weddings, sport, events, buildings, works and more – a real peek into life in St Helens and surrounding areas back in the 1950s.

Project lead, artist Debbie Adele Cooper will unveil her unique artwork, commissioned by St Helens Local History and Archives, using the fascinating collection of glass negatives as inspiration. Debbie’s practice revolves around public engagement, photography, sound and light.

The exhibition is free to view at Newton-le-Willows Library, with the launch event on Wednesday 30 May, 2pm, where artist Debbie will be present to talk about her work.

Cultural Hubs, the nationally-renowned arts-in-libraries programme, is delivered by St Helens Council’s Library Service which is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.