Williamson Art Gallery

Pete Hoida
2024-02-16 08:00 - 2024-12-21 17:00 UTC | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Gallery 11 is currently home to an exhibition of work by Birkenhead-born artist Pete Hoida (1944-2023).
The paintings of Birkenhead-born Hoida are known for strong colour relationships alongside tonal subtlety and a unique approach to textures. Hoida studied Landscape Architecture followed by Art School at Hammersmith, priory to graduating from the extended diploma course at Goldsmiths. His work has been authoritatively endorsed in essays by Mel Gooding and Chris Stephens, and is well regarded by his peers. Hoida lived and worked in Stroud, for over 40 years in the same hillside studio.
The Williamson has acquired his painting ‘Uisghe’ for our collections, but all other paintings currently on display are for sale (however, please note that the are not eligible for the Own Art Scheme).
Please note this exhibition may not be accessible when meetings are in progress.
Own Art

David Clapham: The River Runs Through
2024-04-06 10:00 - 2024-06-15 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Clapham’s recent work has been inspired by views of places he has lived in London and Portugal. These paintings explore the sense of how the landscape dominates the everyday experiences of life in these places, united by the common theme of the river.
Two views in particular dominate these current works. Clapham’s studio in central Portugal, where all of these works have been made over the past three years, overlooks the Ceira valley. The density of the mountainous forests contrasts with the views from Clapham’s recent London residence in Canary Wharf, a severe built environment of its high quality of marble, granite, and glass. These two contrasting views have, in their separate ways, both dominated Clapham’s recent lived experience. With canvases divided into full-scale windows the views they represent are divided, sliced into contrasting images, yet eventually reconciled. In this way Clapham explores how combinations of colours and textures may trigger unlooked-for emotional responses.
The most recent work combines these images with the black-and-white news coverage of the Ukrainian conflict that has dominated the news cycle in recent years.

Going To The Match On Tour
2024-04-19 10:00 - 2024-07-27 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Going to the Match, painted in 1953, is LS Lowry’s best-known and most popular picture. Although he painted football-themed scenes before and after this date it is Going to the Match which has become iconic – an enduring representation of what match day means to fans.
The 1953 work shows fans arriving for a Bolton Wanderers game at their former home, Burnden Park. The painting’s iconic status has been recognised and loved by visitors of all ages: especially those who love football and those who celebrate this quintessentially Northern experience.
This hugely important and much-loved work of art had been on public display at The Lowry, Salford since it opened in 2000, courtesy of a loan by the then owners the Professional Footballers Association (PFA). Following a high-profile campaign, Going to the Match was purchased by The Lowry in Salford for The Lowry Collection at the Modern British & Irish Art Sale at Christie’s in London in October 2022, thanks to the generous support of The Law Family Charitable Foundation. The painting returned to public display at The Lowry in November 2022 as part of Salford’s Lowry Collection and The Lowry is now working with galleries and venues across the North West to ensure that the piece can be enjoyed by the widest possible audience across the region. Supported by a £95,000 grant from Arts Council England through its National Lottery Project Grants programme and additional support from the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation, the tour will mean this iconic painting can be enjoyed by the widest possible audience across the region.
The painting is being displayed at the Williamson alongside other works by Lowry and a selection of pictures from the Williamson’s collection which place Lowry in the wider context of painting in Northern England in the mid 20th Century.
#LowryGTTM
Image Credit: LS Lowry, Going to the Match, 1953
© The Estate of L.S. Lowry. All Rights Reserved, DACS 2024

Wirral MakeFest 2024
2024-06-01 10:00 - 16:00 | Merseyside
Wirral MakeFest, the highly anticipated festival celebrating creativity, innovation, and community, returns for its 2nd annual event. Taking place across the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum and Birkenhead Central Library. Wirral MakeFest promises to be a day filled with inspiration, learning, and hands-on experiences for all ages.
With a wide array of activities, workshops, and exhibits, Wirral MakeFest 2024 offers something for everyone. From technology enthusiasts to artists, scientists, crafters, and hobbyists with a theme of sustainability. This year’s event is set to be the most diverse and engaging yet and is part of the Liverpool City Region’s Borough of Culture programme.
The one day free festival will feature:

Drop in and scheduled workshops : Engage in interactive workshops covering topics such as coding, 3D printing, and sustainable living. We are delighted that the team from Seacombe’s Eureka! Science and Discovery will be sharing their “Chew to Poo” activities all about digestion throughout the day from the library.
Exhibits: Explore a variety of exhibits showcasing technology, art, and DIY culture.
Demos: Witness fascinating demonstrations from local makers and the UK, including virtual electronics, woodcarving, model making and more.
Hands-On Activities: Dive into hands-on activities, including crafting, upcycling, Lego building and experimental projects.
Performances from local poets and musicians at both venues.
An exciting use of space inside and out with a pop up cafe in the library’s pocket park and integration of the wonderful “Going to the Match” Lowry exhibition into some of the activities at the Williamson.
Community: Connect with fellow makers, creators, and innovators from the Wirral area and beyond.

Wirral MakeFest 2024 is free and open to the public, welcoming families, students, professionals, and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s event.
“Wirral MakeFest is a celebration of the incredible creativity and innovation within our community,” said Alison Bailey Smith, director of Wirral MakeFest C.I.C. “We are thrilled to provide a platform for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together, learn, and be inspired. Very pleased to be part of the Borough of Culture programme and to have secured some funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund”.
www.wirralmakefest.co.uk.
