Our latest exhibition from Special Collections and Archives is now on show on the lower ground floor of the Aldham Robarts Library, showcasing the work of Keith Medley.

Keith Medley

Keith Medley was a photographer working on the Wirral from 1949 until 1987. As a commercial and press photographer he captured a wide variety of subjects including sporting events, pageantry, architecture, studio portraits and many more. In 2009 more than 30,000 photographic negatives were donated to LJMU by Keith Medley’s family. Staff within the archives have been working on conservation and repacking of this material.

Guinea Gap Baths, Wallasey, 1973. Dolphins were kept in the baths in the early 1970s for regular public shows. The baths were shut down in 1975 by the RSPCA

This exhibition was created out of a project conducted by archive staff to save several boxes film negatives that were badly damaged due to the way it was previously package. The images exhibited are some of the curator’s favourite film negatives that they salvaged.  These photographs captured events that may spark forgotten memories for some, whilst revealing the past to others. Visitors will be able to gain an insight into life on the Wirral in the 1960s/70s, the entertainment and activities they partook in, fashion, and livelihood.          

Paul Taylor, Birkenhead Scouts Troop, 1966, receiving a commendation signed by Queen Elizabeth II

For more information about Keith Medley and the collections in the Special Collections and Archives visit our webpages.

Exhibition curated by Leah Bartlett & Joseph Dorrian (Level 6 History of Art & Museum Studies) with help from Anne Foulkes (Digital Content Co-ordinator)