Unique photo exhibition celebrates:- "beautiful launderette"

A launderette in Liverpool is launching its maiden photography exhibition exploring its atmospheric charm, alongside never before seen images from its users and neighbours.

Kitty's Launderette, which is situated just 500 yards from Liverpool FC's world famous Anfield stadium, is to host a new exhibition called:- "Kitty's After Dark" alongside never before seen images from People of Anfield.

People of Anfield was an artist residency commissioned by Culture Liverpool and Open Eye Gallery, which culminated in an exhibition at the Open Eye Gallery called The Flowers Still Grow. The new display in Kitty's courtyard opened on:- Friday, 13 June 2025 to reflect that exhibition, which can also be seen on hoardings around Liverpool FC's ground, but will feature new pieces too.

Inside the launderette, Kitty's After Dark by Kayleigh Walmsley, captures a moody interplay of space, light, and community in this intimate hub. The exhibition is a 1st for both Kitty's, a community cooperative established to tackle hygiene poverty and social isolation, and Kayleigh, Events Lead and Laundry Co-op Worker.

Kayleigh, 37, a fashion design graduate, became interested in photography after becoming a mum to her daughter Edie. Inspired by pregnancy and motherhood, Kayleigh went on to study photography, at Liverpool College.

Kitty's - named in honour of Kitty Wilkinson, an Irish immigrant to Liverpool who is credited as the pioneer of the wash house movement in the UK - was at the heart of the People of Anfield project. The community hub hosted regular creative workshops with writer Pauline Rowe and photographer Emma Case, who worked with residents to co-produce the display.

The artists and residents also worked closely with a range of other community organisations and spaces including:- Homebaked CLT, Liverpool Lighthouse, Anfield Improvement District and Pinehurst Primary School.

The project, which is part of Culture Liverpool's Creative Neighbourhooods programme, included a collection of poems inspired by the creative writing workshops, which can be read here, and a short film:- 'Terraces' exploring the local built and natural environment, shared through the voices of Anfield, which can be viewed at the gallery.

Open Eye Gallery has secured funding from the Communities Together Fund to enable the People of Anfield project to continue.

Liverpool City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:- "Following the success of The Flowers Still Grow at Open Eye Gallery, which showcased the passion and pride of Anfield residents to visitors and those living and working in the City, the People of Anfield is coming home. Kitty's is so much more than a launderette and dry cleaners. As an accessible social space for people to gather, talk and learn, it embodies the ethos of Creative Neighbourhoods. So it is fitting that it not only hosts the next iteration of People of Anfield but also has its own exhibition, encouraging people to look at the familiar community hub in a different light."

Sophie Mahon, Head of Social Practice, Open Eye Gallery, said:- "Working closely and on a long term basis with communities and partners across Liverpool is integral to the work we do at Open Eye Gallery and the People of Anfield project is a brilliant example of what can happen when communities are given a platform to tell their own stories, in their own way."

Photographer Kayleigh Walmsley, a former Anfield Community Comprehensive School pupil, said:- "When I became a mother, I found a new love for photography. I became obsessed with taking pictures of my daughter. I've always had an eye for image making but this new life changing experience is what really grew my interest. My past projects have been about the renewal of life after giving birth and that's what inspired me with this creative outlet. Working at Kitty's gave me the opportunity to develop my project:- 'Kitty's After Dark' in collaboration with the people of Anfield, who I have worked alongside. My aim was to capture a sense of space and community within my local area. My intention with this series was to focus on the emphasis of space and low lighting to create an ominous style throughout, that leaves the viewers intrigued and inspired to visit."

LIVERPOOL City Council has been urging residents over Carers Week, which ran from:- 9 June and 15 June 2025, to have their say on a new Strategy, aimed at enhancing support for those who provide unpaid care. The annual Carers Week celebrates and recognises the contribution of unpaid carers who provide essential support to family members, friends, and loved ones. It also offers a valuable opportunity to listen, learn, and take meaningful action.

As a result Liverpool Council is now seeking feedback on its draft:- 'All Age Strategy,' which is designed to shape future services across the City. The draft strategy, developed with input from carers, professionals, and local support services, sets out a long term vision to improve the lives of unpaid carers in Liverpool.  It aims to raise awareness, offer better access to support, and ensure carers are recognised, respected, and included in decisions that affect them.

Carers in Liverpool face challenges as they sometimes juggle care with other responsibilities such as:- work, education, and family life. Many do not see themselves as carers and may be unaware of the help and resources available to them.  This strategy acknowledges those challenges and is designed to respond to real life experiences.

Liverpool City Council is now asking carers, residents, and community organisations to review the strategy and take part in a public consultation by filling in a survey.

Margaret cares for her sister Anne, who has autism. Margaret said:- "I've been caring for Anne most of my life. I help her with self care and assist her with dressing and eating. We have fun together but it does take its toll as I don't get to focus on myself much. I go to the Carers Centre for activities, which allow me to forget about my responsibilities for a few hours each week. I think there should be more places like this, and more awareness, as other carers don't always know that support like this exists. I would love there to be more activities for Anne so she can go out without me and gain a little more independence."

We are told that the feedback Liverpool Council gets from the survey will help shape the final version of the strategy, ensuring it meets the needs of those it is designed to support. If you are interested, please read the draft strategy and take part in the consultation: Liverpool.Gov.UK.

Councillor Angela Coleman, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services, said:- "Liverpool City Council understands that real change comes from listening to those who rely on and interact with these services. Their voices must shape the direction of carer support in Liverpool. We are committed to ensuring the final strategy reflects the genuine needs of carers across the City. This consultation is a chance for carers to have their say and help build a stronger, more supportive system that values and respects the work they do every day."

Anne Marie Lubanski, Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Adult Care and Health said:- "Carers are the heartbeat of many families and communities across Liverpool. Their dedication is inspiring, but we also know it can be challenging, and we are dedicated to improving the support they receive. The strategy is about making sure carers feel seen, valued, and supported not just during Carers Week, but every day of the year. We're asking carers and residents to help us shape something meaningful and that genuinely makes a difference to people's lives. Tell us about your experiences and what would make your lives better. Your voice matters."