WIRRAL photographer Mike McCartney has focused his attention on Liverpool's iconic St George's Hall for a new exhibition.
Mike McCartney Luvs St George’s Hall is on display at the historic venue until Sunday, October 18.
Featuring 60 fascinating images of the Liverpool landmark it spans more than half a century from the 1960s through to the present day.
The Heswall-based photographer, musician and author told the Globe: "I've been a photographer since I was 18 and have been photographing St George's Hall ever since; but I hadn't realised how much until I looked through my collection.
"Come and see the exhibition because you will learn as much about the place as I have done over the years. It's a magic place."
Mike McCartney with examples of his work in the exhibition. Picture: Paul Heaps
The exhibition, in the aptly-named McCartney Gallery, marks the opening of a further public area in the fascinating Catacombs, which run underneath St George’s Hall.
It also features photographs of cult 1960s group Scaffold - featuring Mike and fellow bandmembers John Gorman and Roger McGough.
Mike continued: "When I was asked to exhibit at St George's Hall I thought 'what an honour, I'd be delighted'. But when I looked back through my collection I didn't know where to start.
"An important thread running through my exhibition is the natural, unavoidable, outrageous sense of humour all Liverpudlians are born with, it's a curse!
"As a lad, growing up in Liverpool, we'd never have been allowed into St George's Hall - unless you were appearing in its court.
"But, of course, these days it's a more accessible place. A jewel in Liverpool's heritage crown."
Mike McCartney looks into the room showing examples of his work in the exhibition. Picture: Paul Heaps
Mike is just as famous for his art as his music and poetry. He has staged exhibitions across the world, including Japan, America and Canada.
Mike McCartney looks around the room showing examples of his work in the exhibition. Picture: Paul Heaps
Alan Smith, general manager at St George’s Hall, said: "Mike's work expresses a never ending sense of joy, colour and abounding pride in the images he records.
“The legacy of Mike’s work are rarely outspanned by anyone else.
"There is a steely eye for detail, but also a beautiful ability to tell a story in his work, whilst allowing the viewer to discover their own tales as they view the images.
Share article "All this is built on Mike’s sheer ability as an artist and a photographer.
"It is very exciting to host Mike's work, and one of the spaces to show the pictures has never been used as an exhibition space since the hall opened in 1854."
"To recognise this milestone, the room will subsequently be known as the McCartney Gallery.”
The exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
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