People of Leigh – Who Are We?

A new exhibition that hopes to get under the skin of Leigh’s residents and uncover the real lives of local people opens at the Turnpike Gallery this May.

As part of the National Museums and Galleries month, ‘People of Leigh – Who are We?’, a series of specially commissioned photographs and personal stories, will be on display in the Derby Room from Tuesday 1st to Thursday 31st May.

Co-ordinated by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, the exhibition reveals an insight into the backgrounds and personalities of people who live and work in Leigh today, and highlights the ways in which they identify with their town.

Local professional writer Julie McKiernan interviewed fifteen local people from all backgrounds including some of the town’s more famous residents and business figures. Photographers Liz Lock and Mishka Henner have captured the character and personalities of the participants to illustrate their own personal stories.

Sam Dawson, Arts Development Officer for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, said,

“This exhibition really digs deep into the psyche of Leigh people. Some of the people interviewed are newcomers to Leigh and others have deep roots in the town - all help to make up the towns rich social fabric. Hopefully lots of local people will come along to see the exhibition and will connect with the stories that have come out of the project. We are very keen to help support this kind of artistic project particularly as it showcases local talent in a local context.”

For further information on ‘People of Leigh – Who Are We?’ contact Sam Dawson on 01942 486 917. 

The free-to-enter Turnpike Gallery, at the Turnpike Centre, Leigh is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and on Saturdays from 9.30am to 3.30pm. For information on the gallery please call 01942 404469.