Fiddler's Ferry: Exhibition to commemorate landmark power station

Mr Smyth said the station was an ever-present landmark during his childhood

An exhibition documenting the decommissioning, demolition and rebirth of a site occupied by a landmark power station is set to go on display.

Fiddler's Ferry in Cheshire was shut down in 2020 as part of the government's target to end coal-fired electricity generation by 2025.

The power station, which has dominated the local skyline for decades, is set to be demolished on 3 December.

Artist Shaun Smyth has been working on a project to remember the site.

Mr Smyth, who is from Runcorn and studied art at what was then Halton College before earning a degree in Fine Art, said the station was an ever-present landmark during his childhood.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "The station forms part of my early memories of childhood, having the opportunity to artistically document the power station's remaining years to its decommissioning has been very much a privilege and an honour.

"Having been brought up in Runcorn, I am proud to be part of recording and preserving this iconic site's industrial heritage."

He now teaches at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in Runcorn and has won praise for his work, which has also included pieces inspired by the Mersey Gateway Bridge. 

The 'From the Ashes' exhibit is due to go on display next summer in St Helens

A member of Manchester Academy of Fine Arts (MAFA), Mr Smyth planned three projects centred on the station, focusing on how it was when it was operational, its demolition and derelict years, and finally - how it will be regenerated into something new.

His popular Fiddler's Ferry: Cloud Factory exhibition was previously on display at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery and was featured on television.

His next exhibition is entitled Fiddler's Ferry: From the Ashes and is due to be held at World of Glass in St Helens next summer.

He added: "I feel this is an important part of the North West's history and links to industry.

"I have recently introduced a poet and a sculptor to the project, and we are looking creatively how the scrap on site can be used to create new paintings and sculptures linked to the site's industrial past to preserve its heritage."

In March, plans were submitted for the first phase of a new industrial estate on the site of Fiddler's Ferry.

Four industrial buildings are proposed and are expected to bring some 2,100 jobs to the area.

Why not follow BBC North West on Facebook, X and Instagram? You can also send story ideas to [e-mail]