Leroy through the Lens: creative writing workshops

In tribute to Leroy Cooper's life and 40-year career, Writing on the Wall and National Museums Liverpool are launching ‘Leroy Through the Lens’, a project that turns the focus on Leroy and his work, through a range of monthly workshops inviting participants to respond to Leroy’s powerful photography through a creative writing. 

Participants are welcome to come to any of the events as a stand alone session or book for all four. 

Leroy Cooper’s photography exhibition, 'Liverpool Through the Lens', currently on display in The Museum of Liverpool, is a love letter to the city and an evocative and insightful depiction of life in the Liverpool 8 community.

Session 1: 18 November - Levi Tafari

Session 2: 10 February - TBC

Session 3: 18 MaY - Levi Tafari

About Leroy 

In July 1981, just 20 years old, Leroy was arrested in Liverpool 8. The incident provided a spark to the growing discontent at police discrimination and violence against the black community in the area, which led to the first Toxteth uprising. Following his arrest, Leroy pursued a career in photography to counteract the negative depictions of Toxteth and the L8 community after 1981, amassing a collection of over a quarter of a million images that documented Liverpool's people and culture.

Beyond photography, he was a talented performance poet, DJ on Toxteth Community Radio, and a graffiti artist, known for repainting Toxteth street name signs in the vibrant colours of Rastafari. Cooper's creative spirit remained undeterred, inspiring us all.

Amidst all the trials and tribulations of the Liverpool 8 community, Leroy’s lens always focused on the people and the community, revealing their strengths and vulnerabilities, through both happy and sadder times. Leroy was a guest of Writing on the Wall’s festival many, many times.

National Museums Liverpool is committed to reducing barriers to participation. If you would like to talk to us about anything which would help you to get more out of the session, please contact families@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk 

If you find you are unable to attend the event after booking tickets, we would be grateful if you let us know as tickets for the events are strictly limited.