But the idea of the portraits being shown at galleries across Merseyside throughout the year also appeals to Tony as a way of drawing the whole region into the celebrations of 2007 and then 2008 when Liverpool will be the European Capital of Culture.
"This is my opportunity to pay tribute to people, not necessarily Liverpudlians, but with an affinity with the city, " says Tony. "It will be a mix of people from all walks of life, but they all intermingle, just as in life. The plumber has conversations with the brain surgeon.
"Accompanying each picture will be a biography, maybe in their own words or maybe drafted by us, detailing their standing in the community, whether a school dinner lady or a university scientist. We're all equal in one respect. We all have something to offer. There is a driving strength and spirit in all
the people I have chosen so far. There has always been a swagger about Merseysiders which was lost a bit in the bad years, but it is back again.
"A crazy man would think twice about doing this, but I am beyond crazy."
Tony's one seeing eye is working well at the moment. Doctors are reluctant to operate on its cataract because of the risks involved to an eye already damaged by diabetes.
"There is a slight build up of cataract in my good eye," says Tony. "But I am not worried about that, but obviously it could become a worry because this is what I do. I am hoping my good eye will hold out. You work today and then tomorrow you do the same.
"Somewhere down the line it catches up, but I can't let that happen. I am totally positive about it. That goes along with my whole philosophy."
