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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Williamson Art Gallery
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DTSTART:20240101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250212T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260117T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T223550
CREATED:20241212T144534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T152913Z
UID:10000235-1739354400-1768669200@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Philip Wilson Steer: In Conversation
DESCRIPTION:Born in Birkenhead\, Philip Wilson Steer was a pioneer of impressionism in Britain during the late nineteenth century. Studying in Paris in the 1880s\, he was exposed to this radical way of painting after seeing works by the likes of Degas and Manet. With his loose approach to painting and depictions of scenes that were seen as indecent for the time\, Steer was widely ridiculed on his return to London\, but eventually gained acclaim and prestige with the increasing influence of the New English Art Club and his teaching post at the Slade School of Art. Later in his career\, Steer was inspired by masters of English landscape painting\, such as Constable and Turner\, with examples of these works being found in the exhibition. \nAs well as showcasing the Williamson’s collection of Steer\, this exhibition will bring his work into conversation with both his contemporaries and local artists who followed in his footsteps. This will showcase his personal approach to colour and painting\, but will also show the limitations of his radicalism\, largely through his approach to depicting women. \nThe Williamson’s collection of works by Steer has long been considered a highlight of our collections\, which we are delighted to be able to display a significant number of in this exhibition. \n  \nEVENTS: \nCurator talks on Albert Richards & Philip Wilson Steer – dates throughout 2025 \nInfo & Booking
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/philip-wilson-steer-in-conversation/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Steer-Self-Portrait.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250212T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260131T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T223550
CREATED:20241212T144539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T152532Z
UID:10000234-1739354400-1769878800@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Albert Richards
DESCRIPTION:March 2025 marked 80 years since the passing of Albert Richards\, the youngest official war artist to be killed in action during WWII. The Williamson holds over two hundred of his works\, spanning from his days at the Wallasey School of Art to the frontlines of France in 1944. These works show the incredible talent that Richards possessed\, and his influences\, from surrealism to Art Deco. \nAs well as displaying works by artists that inspired him and worked alongside him\, such as Stanley Spencer and George Jardine\, this exhibition will commemorate his life as a soldier\, in which he served a key role in the D-Day landings. This incredible personal narrative\, mixed with his unique style of painting\, makes him one of the biggest “what ifs?” in twentieth century British art. \nEVENTS: \nCurator talks on Albert Richards & Philip Wilson Steer – dates throughout 2025 \nInfo & Booking
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/albert-richards/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250214T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260110T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T223550
CREATED:20241213T155156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T161709Z
UID:10000238-1739527200-1768064400@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Subterranean Elevator
DESCRIPTION:Subterranean Elevator has been conceived by artist Di Mainstone\, and developed with a team of inter-disciplinary specialists. The installation invites intrepid visitors to explore the inner worlds of soil and the subconscious mind. On entering a dark\, elevator-shaped environment\, they will feel a soft earth-like substance beneath their feet\, where they can stand\, sit\, or nestle.  As the elevator commences its ‘descent’\, subterranean tourists will experience mesmerising sounds and projected visuals\, creating the sensation of sinking deep into the earth. \nMainstone has coined the term “Subnosis” to describe this hypnotic journey\, in which surreal subterranean creatures flourish amongst fleeting thoughts\, tickled by roots and intersected by neural pathways that lead us into an interior universe. In this place of collective contemplation\, we are invited to remember our connection to all living and nonliving things here on our precious planet. \nThe artwork aims to deepen our understanding of biodiversity loss and engage with the emotional landscape of the climate emergency. \nHow to Experience Subterranean Elevator \nPlease allow for your eye to adjust to a darker space when entering the space\, moving slowly and with caution. \nShoes are to be removed before entering the sand box. \nIf you are entering the sand box\, please use the spaces below the benches to store belongings. \nThere are steps at the side of the sand box to enter and exit. \nChildren must be supervised at all times in the space and sandbox. \nDo not throw sand.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/subterranean-elevator/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,Slide 3
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250221T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251018T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T223550
CREATED:20241213T101147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T093003Z
UID:10000240-1740132000-1760806800@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Elizabeth Smolen: Trailblazer
DESCRIPTION:NOW CLOSING 18TH OCTOBER 2025 \nDiscover the life of local legend Elizabeth Smolen\, a Polish refugee who settled in Birkenhead and became a champion scooter racer and successful businesswoman. \nA keen motorcyclist and engineer\, Smolen made a name for herself by repairing\, dealing and racing scooters and became part of Wirral’s scooter scene. Elizabeth Smolen: Trailblazer explores Smolen’s early life against the backdrop of Soviet Poland\, and how her daring escape to England allowed her to make a new home in Wirral. \nObjects from Smolen’s life\, including two Vespa scooters\, will be on display\, alongside information about Smolen’s rich life\, and stories from those who remember her. \nThe exhibition also explores the broader Wirral scooter scene\, featuring photos and memorabilia from Birkenhead-based Cloud 9 Scooter Club. \nProduced in collaboration with Big Heritage. \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/elizabeth-smolen-trailblazer/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,Slide 4
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/smolen2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250326T110000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260109T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T223550
CREATED:20250226T113806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T152249Z
UID:10000253-1742986800-1767978000@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Curator Tours: Richards and Steer
DESCRIPTION:Join our Collections Manager Josh for a tour of the two exhibitions curated from our collection\, exploring the works of Albert Richards and Philip Wilson Steer. \n\nThese talks will offer the opportunity for you to find out more about the narrative of each exhibition\, the stories we wanted each exhibition to tell\, and give you background into the lives of each artist. There will be one talk a month throughout 2025. Please consider giving a donation with your booking to support the work of the Williamson.\n  \n   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nClick Here to Book Now\n   \n\nDates & Times: \nFriday 22nd August\, 6pm \nWednesday 17th September\, 11am \nFriday 24th October\, 6pm \nWednesday 12th November\, 11am \nFriday 9th January\, 6pm
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/curator-tours-richards-and-steer/
LOCATION:Merseyside
CATEGORIES:Events
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250605T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250913T170000
DTSTAMP:20260525T223550
CREATED:20250529T102302Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250722T111217Z
UID:10000310-1749117600-1757782800@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Ben Youdan 'Mask'
DESCRIPTION:As part of a series of interventions in our Philip Wilson Steer ‘In Conversation’ exhibition\, the Williamson has invited the Liverpool artist\, Ben Youdan\, to feature a work that contrasts and explores the themes found within Steer’s work. \nYoudan’s practice employs a wide variety of techniques and processes including collage\, drawing\, painting\, printmaking and photography\, to create imagery that takes inspiration from the iconography and ephemera of popular culture as well as his lived experience. His pieces explore themes such as identity\, glamour and sexuality in an unapologetically Queer fashion. \n  \nEVENT: On Friday 22nd August at 1pm join Ben Youdan in conversation to find our more about his practice and process. Free\, but booking recommended. \nBook Now \n  \nIn Youdan’s own words: \n“As an artist\, I am interested in exploring the notion that the masks we wear can reveal something intrinsic to our nature. These masks can be physical or psychological. The anonymity of concealing our physical appearance can have a liberating effect\, that emboldens the individual to explore their true nature. This inherent contradiction is particularly prevalent within queer sexual subcultures. \nSteer’s work is often seen as voyeuristic\, whereas mine revels in a more exhibitionist nature\, born out of lived experience. \nWhilst Steer’s work has a muted\, naturalistic colour palette\, my work revels in its own artifice. The colours selected are deliberately synthetic\, clashing\, and even gaudy\, but with a self-awareness and exuberance that reflects the unapologetic nature of the subject. In many ways this work is the polar opposite of the muted tones and perceived repression found within some of Steer’s work in this exhibition. \nIn traditional portraiture\, the eyes are typically what the viewer engages with\, setting the mood for the piece and revealing a vulnerability in the subject. With ‘Mask’\, the eyes are deliberately obscured\, presenting my subject in a way that is vulnerable\, honest and open in a way that protects them\, allowing them to remain indifferent to the judgement they might receive. Where Steer’s subjects are laid bare in a passive\, open manner\, mine retains their agency and power by presenting an authentic version of themselves and their sexuality – on their terms. \nThe image of the gas mask can be interpreted in a variety of ways. In this specific intervention it is a device used in sexual role-play in a variety of fetish subcultures which deviate from the mainstream. It often denotes a submissive person who has elected to give themselves over completely to the gratification of a dominant partner. To a mainstream observer\, this can often have darker connotations. This piece aims to subvert that presumption. Instead of black shiny rubber\, it is presented in pink shiny glitter\, challenging preconceived notions of alternative sexual expression. \nMy complex\, handmade\, mixed media portraits take inspiration from my lived experience of pop culture\, the ephemera of daily life and queer subcultures.” \nPart of Independents Biennial 2025 \n  \nPhilip Wilson Steer: In Conversation \nBen Youdan’s website \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/ben-youdan-mask/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Ben-Youdan-MASK-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
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