A new art installation exploring the meaning of home will be unveiled at Spellow Community Hub and Library on Saturday 21 June, as part of a special community celebration.
The installation marks the culmination of a residency by Dora Colquhoun – a neurodivergent writer, performer and theatre maker – commissioned by Culture Liverpool through its Creative Neighbourhoods Programme.
Over recent months, Dora has delivered creative workshops with residents, community groups, schools and businesses across Walton, including Our House Walton Community Hub, Daisy Chain Nursery and St Francis De Sales Infant School.
Titled Welcome Home, the installation includes artwork by local school pupils and portraits of Walton residents such as Kenny Robert from County DIY, community leader Joan Abela, and 97-year-old MBE recipient Anne Gandy.
Saturday’s event runs from 11am to 1pm and features a film screening, storytelling, craft activities, refreshments, and a live performance of a specially written song about County Road. The track was created in collaboration with Dora, George Jenkins, Duncan Riches and members of Our House.
The residency is part of Culture Liverpool’s wider Creative Neighbourhoods initiative, which delivers artistic projects shaped by and for communities across the city. The programme aims to build local pride, promote inclusion, and create accessible, co-created cultural experiences.
This work is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supported by Central Government and Arts Council England, with a focus on boosting local identity and improving life chances through the arts.
The project is one of several to engage County Road residents following the arson attack on Spellow Community Hub last summer. Other initiatives have included What’s Your Walton Story – a 12-week writing course led by Writing on the Wall – and Our Home, Our Place, Our Space, an artist residency with Open Eye Gallery.
Artist Dora Colquhoun, said:
“I’ve met people at Spellow Library from all over the world who now call Walton home — including a second-generation Irish family and a woman from Germany, who moved to the area eight years ago.
“I’ve been humbled by this community — who have embraced me and helped me explore what the word welcome truly means. Liverpool is a unique city, and the people in Walton are a true reflection of what makes it so special: a sharp sense of humour, natural storytelling, and the confidence to tell you if they don’t like your outfit!
“I can safely say Walton has stolen a piece of my heart.”
Local resident Anne Gandy, 98, who has been awarded an OBE for her services to the community in the area, said:
“Scousers are the best people in the world, you won’t meet a kinder group of people or more generous of heart.”
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said:
“The story of Spellow Library continues to be one of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bonds of community. Artist residencies like this help the neighbourhood reclaim their shared narrative. The locals have opened their hearts and minds to Dora and the result is a beautiful installation, song and film, all of which will be revealed this weekend.
“The objects gathered for the installation are as diverse as Walton itself from memories of growing up in the area to the lived experiences of newcomers settling in.”
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