Tony Mallon is a Liverpool-born artist and educator known for his long-standing commitment to socially engaged, community-focused art. Widely recognised for placing creativity directly into the hands of local people, he has spent three decades working collaboratively with communities across the North West to tell human stories through art/photography, public art and participatory projects.

Tony’s practice is rooted in the belief that art should be accessible to everyone, and much of his career has focused on creating work outside conventional gallery settings. He has collaborated extensively with diverse groups, including older residents, young people, refugees, and people experiencing homelessness, often using art/photography as a tool for confidence-building, storytelling, and collective expression.

About the Artwork: Winds of Change

Location: New Street, Widnes Town Centre.

Fun Fact: Its 53 metres long!

Purpose: To link Widnes Shopping Park to Widnes town centre by celebrating Widnes’ people, heritage and shared memories.

Winds of Change is a landmark 53 metre artwork created as part of the regeneration and cultural enrichment of Widnes Town Centre. Positioned along New Street, the key pedestrian route linking Widnes Shopping Park to the traditional high street, the piece transforms the walkway into a vibrant, story-rich public space.

Reflecting Tony’s signature community-led approach, the artwork draws inspiration from the history of the local area (including archival photographs) and the lived experiences of its residents. It incorporates poems, reflections and memories shared by members of the community, creating a tapestry of voices that speak to Widnes’ collective identity.

Community Collaboration

The creation of Winds of Change followed extensive public consultation and collaborative workshops. Tony worked alongside:

• Widnes Historical Society
• The Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
• Halton Photographic Society
• Picture Halton
• Halton Libraries
• Halton & St Helens VCA
• Lukes Church
• Upton Community Centre
• Cronton Sixth Form College (A-level Art & Design students)
• Gateway Community
• Fortuna Female Society

Through these partnerships, residents contributed poems, memories, photographs and conversations. Even for those who did not directly participate, the artwork resonates strongly because it reflects shared, collective memories that belong to the whole community.

Tony Mallon’s Inspiration

Winds of Change draws on Tony’s deep interest in capturing everyday life, preserving local heritage, and highlighting the importance of community voices in shaping public spaces. His work frequently focuses on:

• Celebrating local identity and pride
• Documenting changes within town centres and high streets
• Revealing hidden histories and overlooked stories
• Empowering people to become the documenters of their own communities

By weaving Widnes’ stories into a single visual journey, Tony’s artwork acts as both a celebration of place and a reminder of the importance of shared memory in shaping a community’s future.