The Art Collection are thrilled to announce the winner and runner up for Photo 100 open call, celebrating images that best represent the City of Salford’s past, present, and future.
PHOTO 100 was inspired by Salford’s 100-year anniversary, we invited students, staff, and alumni to submit images that best encompass Salford’s natural and built environment, history and heritage, and legacy of creativity and making. We had a diverse range of submissions; from film to digital, to double exposure photography, showcasing your contemporary and distinctive personal perspectives of Salford.
We are also very grateful to our esteemed judging panel for their time, knowledge and attentive consideration; Dr Alexandra Mitchell – University Archivist, Anna Romachney – Sustainability Engagement Officer, Stephanie Fletcher – Art Collection Curator, and Cami O’Hagan – Art Collection Team Assistant.
Congratulations to our winner and runner-up, and thank you to everyone who entered the open call!
Photo 100 Overall Winner: Jessica Davidson, BA Photography
This double photograph overlapped represents Jessica’s experience of hearing impairments, but still being able to enjoy nature through this creative process.
“The reason I love what I’m doing is raising awareness of climate change and how we should care about the birds and everything around us before it’s too late. Since I’m wearing a hearing aid now, I can focus on enjoying the birds and understanding their songs and what they’re doing on a daily basis with the Merlin Bird app.” Jessica Davidson (She/Her), BA Photography
“Jessica’s image stood out for its alignment with the nature, creativity and heritage themes. There’s a strong focus on lived experience and offers a reflective and engaging view of what Salford means in her perspective” Judging panellist Dr Alexandra Mitchell, University Archivist
Find out more about Jessica’s work here:
@jdavo_photos – Instagram
Photo 100 Runner-up: Michael Walsh, Maker Space Manager
“I chose this image because aside from appreciating the composition and character given by shooting film, to me the scene represents Salford moving on. From its proud industrial past to whatever’s in its future. I wonder what Salford will be known for in 100 years’ time?” Michael Walsh, Maker Space Manager
“Michael’s image of the River Irwell is simply timeless, the technical mastery in using analogue photography to find the right balance in the frame. Capturing a vital ecosystem that some of us may take for granted, an outstanding ability to elevate the everyday into something visually captivating.” Judging panellist Cami O’Hagan, Art Collection Team Assistant
Make sure to check out these images as part of the City of Making exhibition programme!
Jessica and Michael’s images are currently being shown on the digital display screen in New Adelphi Exhibition Gallery until 3rd July 2026, alongside a small number of Photo 100 entries selected by the judging panel.