A CALLANDS photographer has thanked the public for their overwhelming response to a film noir project.

Paul Jackson, of Unit 8 Photography, is working on an exhibition which will celebrate classic American crime thrillers of the 1940s and 50s such as The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity and The Killers.

The 53-year-old appealed for volunteers to come forward for stylised black and white shoots with long dark shadows.

Warrington Guardian:

The best images will feature in an exhibition called Paint it Black that will tour the area’s libraries starting at Warrington, before moving on to Penketh, Culcheth, Stockton Heath and Padgate from April 29 to June 2.

The exhibition is designed to encourage people into Warrington’s libraries and highlight their importance as community hubs.

The images will be accompanied by special screenings of the iconic film noir movies which inspired them.

Warrington Guardian:

Paul, who is working alongside Culture Warrington, LiveWire and Warrington Borough Council on the project, also hopes the exhibition will help with Warrington’s bid to run for City of Culture 2021.

The former Sir Thomas Boteler CE Grammar School pupil said: “After the appeal for help in the Guardian I have been overwhelmed with offers of support.

“People have kindly offered props, hairdressing, make-up and themselves to model.

Warrington Guardian:

“The project is well underway. I’ll be working up to the wire to get it completed.

“But I am thrilled with some of the results so far, so much so, I’m happy to share some of the images which are ‘work in progress’ with you now.

“Whittling the exhibition down to just 24 images is going to be one of the hardest jobs.

“I’m thrilled that Warrington is in the running to be City of Culture in 2021 and hope that Paint it Black goes some way to supporting our bid."

Warrington Guardian:

Jen Perry, a former Lymm High School pupil, modelled for the project.

She added: “As soon as I heard about the project I wanted to get involved.

“I love the glamour and glitz of that period and Paul is an amazing photographer.

“It was so exciting doing the photo shoot and I think the results look stunning.

“I cannot wait to see the exhibition and only hope that the images that I have been involved in make the final cut.”

  • Paint it Black will open with a special screening of The Maltese Falcon at Warrington Library on Thursday, May 4, at 7.30pm. Tickets are £4. Visit pyramidparrhall.com