Through Our Eyes: Blind and partially sighted photographers share their view of the world
A new exhibition at Southport railway station invites the public to experience the world through a different lens, featuring powerful images created by blind and partially sighted people from Merseyside Sight Loss Council (SLC).
‘Through Our Eyes’, delivered in partnership with Community Rail Lancashire, and Merseyrail, showcases a collection of photographs capturing journeys along the Liverpool to Southport rail line.
Photography project led by lived experience
The exhibition has been created by SLC volunteers with lived experience of sight loss, who are passionate about making the region more inclusive. The exhibition showcases their creativity, perspectives, and experiences of travelling independently by rail.
The project brought volunteers together over a series of rail journeys between Liverpool Central and Southport, stopping at locations including Moorfields, Crosby, Formby, and Southport.
Supported by professional photographer, Diane Muldowney, participants developed new skills while capturing a diverse range of images – from iconic Liverpool landmarks to the Antony Gormley statues at Crosby Beach, the pinewoods of Formby, and the seaside town of Southport.
Mick, Merseyside SLC member, photographing a cast iron statue on Crosby Beach
Building confidence through travel and creativity
As well as inspiring creativity, the project helped build confidence in travelling independently by rail, with many volunteers visiting new destinations for the first time.
Some images in the exhibition are presented in pairs, offering different interpretations of the same scene and highlighting how people with sight loss experience the world in different ways. In some cases, photographs are displayed alongside versions that simulate different forms of sight loss, helping visitors better understand how the same scene may be experienced by different people.
By sharing these perspectives, the exhibition challenges assumptions about both vision and photography. This aims to encourage the public to see beyond traditional expectations.
Voices from the project
Those involved in creating the exhibition shared what the experience meant to them.
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for North West SLCs, said:
“This has been a fantastic project for Merseyside SLC to work on and it’s lovely to do something that combines our transport and arts and culture projects together.
“Everyone is really proud to have the ‘Through Our Eyes’ exhibition on display at Southport railway station. It highlights so many things. Firstly, all the lovely places there are to visit by train between Liverpool and Southport and secondly it shows the general public what amazing photography can still be done with little or no vision.
“Importantly, this exhibition highlights a range of sight loss conditions, and we are asking the public, to pause, stop and see through our eyes.”
Merseyside SLC member, Naomi and James, in Southport
Naomi Ditchfield, Merseyside SLC volunteer said:
“I’ve always enjoyed taking photographs, even though I’m severely sight impaired.
“This project has been a great opportunity, and it’s brilliant for the public to see how we see.”
Mick Spriggs, SLC volunteer added:
“This project shows that, even with our ‘broken eyes’, we can still produce great images in all kinds of weather and locations.
“I love that it brought together visually impaired people having fun while creating something that other people will see – much more than us!”
Merseyside SLC on Southport Pier. From left to right: Mike, David Parfitt, Kelly Barton, Naomi, Guide Dog Dottie, and James
Diane Muldowney, freelance photographer, said:
“Watching each photographer navigate the journey was both humbling and inspiring.
“Apps such as Be My Eyes and Seeing AI helped each photographer work independently. These tools didn’t just make the project possible; they empowered the photographers to work with confidence and creativity.”
Partnership working to support inclusive travel
Project partners highlighted the importance of collaboration in making the exhibition possible.
Katie Douglas, Accessibility and Inclusion Officer, Community Rail Lancashire, added:
“Through Our Eyes has been a wonderful example of how creativity and travel can build confidence and challenge perceptions. The exhibition leaves a lasting legacy at Southport station, showcasing both the fantastic places people can visit on the Merseyrail network and the diverse ways people experience the world.”
Laura Turnbull, Community Events & Engagement Manager at Merseyrail, added:
“We’re delighted to support this collaboration, bringing together local partners and participants to create something truly meaningful. The photography celebrates creativity, community and the importance of inclusive travel.”
Through Our Eyes – Behind the scenes
Watch how Merseyside SLC volunteers captured images and built confidence travelling along the Liverpool to Southport line.
Visit the exhibition
‘Through Our Eyes’ is on display at Southport railway station on Platform One, where visitors can experience it over the coming months.
Access the exhibition audio descriptions for ‘Through Our Eyes’
Join us
Passionate about making a difference? Want to influence positive change? Our Sight Loss Councils, led by blind and partially sighted volunteers, are recruiting new members. Join us today!
We use our lived experience to create positive change for others. Together, we tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
Join us to help ensure visually impaired people in your area can live the lives they want to lead.
Publication date: 17 June 2026