Childhood is a Garden was an artist residency in Garston commissioned by Culture Liverpool and Open Eye Gallery, which culminated in an exhibition at Open Eye Gallery called The Flowers Still Grow.
Artist Miriam Flüchter spent two years working with residents and community organisations in Garston including Garston Adventure Play, a long-standing youth provision that started out as a community-led summer playscheme in 1976. Together, they explored storytelling through experimental analogue photography and textile crafts.
Images taken by children from Garston Adventure Play featured in the exhibition and the images were curated by and interpreted by the children. The children even produced their own solution from cola and sherbet to develop the photos, creating a stunning effect.
As well as local children and young people living in the area now, Miriam also worked closely with adult residents to explore what growing up in Garston was like. This included photographer Chris Illes, whose story of growing up in childhood, read by one of the youngsters from Garston Adventure Play, featured in the exhibition.
Miriam Flüchter, said: “Working with Garston residents from the ages of 3 to 95 allowed me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the history of this neighbourhood and its people. What resonated most with me throughout is the deep love and connection people in Garston feel to their home and community. The warm welcome I have received as an outsider in this community is a good example of the warmth that exists between residents, that I haven’t found words for, but hope my images have done it justice.”
Image ©Rob Battersby
