Williamson Art Gallery

Workshop: Encouraging Younger Volunteers in Heritage and Culture groups
2026-06-30 13:00 - 15:30 UTC | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
We’re inviting local groups and organisations to join us on 30th June for a practical and engaging session focused on Encouraging younger volunteers, delivered in partnership with Curious Minds and facilitated by Wirral CVS.
Younger people bring energy, fresh perspectives and new skills into the heritage and culture groups, but many organisations tell us they’re unsure how to attract, support and retain them effectively. This session is designed to help you bridge that gap.
During the session, you’ll:

Explore what motivates young people to volunteer
Understand common barriers and how to overcome them
Gain practical ideas to make your opportunities more accessible and appealing
Share experiences and learn from others across the sector
Whether you’re just starting to think about involving younger volunteers or looking to strengthen what you already offer, this session will provide useful insight and actionable approaches.

If you’d like to attend, please get in touch or secure your place via our website –
Encouraging Younger Volunteers – Wirral CVS
We hope you can join us for what promises to be a valuable and thought-provoking session.

Live Music from Acoustica 2
2026-06-26 18:30 - 20:30
Martin and Willy Simmons: Harp and Concertina – a unique paring in English folk music
Martin and Willy have been playing together for over 20 years in a ceilidh band, folk trio and various pub sessions. Recently they have got together to play English Traditional Music in a traditional way. The set includes many tunes that were incredibly popular dance tunes in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and are now being rediscovered by new generations.

Both musicians have come to their current instruments later in life after long careers playing brass and woodwind. Willy is a former professional saxophone player and also a flute and whistle maker and player before taking up the English concertina. Martin played the trombone in various bands for many years before turning to the Anglo concertina and more recently the folk harp.

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FREE ENTRY

Wirral Singing Café - Coast To Coast
2026-06-19 18:30 - 20:30
Wirral Singing Café offers the local community a place where people can drop in for a drink and a sing along.
Musicians from the Singing Cafes have been performing at various venues on the Wirral for over 12 years. The musical repertoire is based largely around the songs from the 1940s to the 1980s with a bit of rock and roll dancing. Books of lyrics are also given out to audience members.
A number of Lead Singers support the music, and the main accompaniment is provided by a piano or guitar, we aim to provide a happy chatty place to meet friends, sing along, or just sit back and enjoy the music.
Cafes are held regularly at 8 different venues throughout the Wirral; some are weekly, and others are fortnightly or monthly.
Wirral Singing Café will be at the The Williamson Art Gallery & Museum on the 19th June at 18:30pm. This performance will be a mix of solo and duet pieces, together with audience participation songs. There is a wide variety of music, so whatever your tastes, you should find plenty to enjoy!

FREE – Donations are welcomed, No booking needed.

The Williamson Café will be open serving light bites & snacks as well as hot and cold drinks including alcoholic beverage.

Books and Banter
2026-06-12 18:30 - 20:30
Love books? Love talking about books? Love Books & Banter!
Books and Banter is an opportunity to talk about books guided by theme, with no specific book set to read. Discussions around the subject are facilitated but not restricted, and tangents are welcome.
The theme for June is Natural History.
Free to all – no need to book, just come along!

Take a look at the list from May’s session

The Williamson Café will be open and serving refreshments, including alcohol.

Life Drawing
2026-06-12 18:30 - 20:30
Liverpool Life Drawing will be returning for their next Friday night session at the Williamson.
Open to all abilities, no experience needed as the tutors can guide you through the session. Basic materials will be available, though you are also welcome to bring your own or let the tutors know if there’s anything specific you require.
£10 cash or card payment on the night. No booking required.
Sessions will be on the second Friday of every month on an ongoing basis.

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Small Wonders: Reimagining British Art
2026-06-05 10:00 - 2026-07-25 17:00
In 1951, the Festival of Britain acted as a beacon of post-war hope, launching a landmark touring exhibition that brought world-class art to local museums and art centres across the UK. Seventy-five years later, Hayward Gallery Touring honours this legacy with Small Wonders: Reimagining British Art, a contemporary reimagining of that original vision.
The exhibition brings together 50 acclaimed artists who have participated in the British Art Show – the UK’s definitive five-year curated survey of contemporary art – since its inception in 1979. Taking inspiration from Marcel Duchamp’s Boîte-en-valise – a “portable museum” contained within a suitcase – each artist has created a new, small-scale work that responds to their original British Art Show presentation. The result is a condensed yet expansive overview of a half-century of British art history.

Wirral Pop Orchestra and Wirral Big Band
2026-05-30 14:00 - 16:00
Wirral Pop Orchestra & Wirral Big Band are back at the gallery for a Spring Concert.

Join us at the gallery for a delightful afternoon of music from two fabulous local bands.
Wirral Big Band and Wirral Pop Orchestra were both started in 2019 by Jan Modelski, an accomplished musician who is passionate about community music, bringing local musicians together.
Wirral Pop Orchestra strays away from the conventional classical classical repertoire exploring the world of Pop, theatre, films and musicals. Wirral Big Band play all things jazz, swing and pop in a Big Band style.
Both bands have enjoyed many successful gigs at a variety of local venues, and we’re delighted to welcome them back to the Williamson for a fabulous seasonal performance.

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The Williamson Café will be open serving Menu favourites, ‘Mini Afternoon Tea’ and other refreshments.

The Garden as Muse
2026-05-30 10:00 - 2026-07-25 17:00
For centuries, gardens in their myriad forms, from the surreal, to the mystical, contemplative or mythical, have had profound impacts upon artists of all kinds. They act as sources of inspiration and as mirrors reflecting the cultural, social and emotional landscapes in which they were created.

This exhibition traces how artists across time have interpreted gardens not merely as physical spaces, but as symbols of creativity and solace. From delicate, nostalgic studies to immersive and grand paintings, these pieces reveal how gardens can function both as sanctuaries and laboratories of artistic experimentation.

Drawing exclusively from the Williamson’s rich and varied collection, The Garden as Muse invites visitors to wander through these imagined and observed worlds, celebrating the enduring allure of the garden as a site where art and nature meet, influence one another, and continue to grow in unexpected ways.

Enjoy The Piano
2026-05-23 14:00 - 16:00
A varied selection of Piano Music played by local musicians.
Our Enjoy the Piano Concerts are going from strength to strength. They started as a small group of pianists playing to each other and they have developed into: ‘Classical’ Solos – Jazz Improvisations and even Piano Duets.
There is something for everyone to enjoy.
We are always happy to hear from musicians who would like to practice in front of a live audience. If you would like to take part in a session, please contact, Peter Rainsford – piedpiper2000@aol.com to book your place.

The Williamson Café will be open for refreshments.

Peter Rainsford Presents
2026-05-22 11:00 - 12:30
A Miscellany of Music and Creativity, Coffee Concert.
Peter is founder and director of Tafelmusik music school in Oxton. Each month he brings a varied repertoire of music and performers to the Williamson.
Along side Peter and singer/songwriter Paula, this month we welcome back special guest violinist Duncan Reid.
Duncan has performed with orchestras such as Opera North, and the National Symphony Orchestra of London.
With the award winning Ryebank Piano Trio, he regularly performs for concert venues and music societies throughout the North West, as well as having performed the Beethoven Triple Concerto with the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra.

His programme will include some of the most loved violin solos, including:
Meditation by Massenet, Elgar’s Chanson De Matin and, the ever popular, Humoreske by Dvorak.
This months concert will also include music from Peter and a selection of songs from Paula.

Tafelmusik website
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‘Passage’ - Vessel Making Workshop with Frances Carlile
2026-05-16 14:00 - 16:00
Come and make a vessel based on your experience of Passage,
with artist Frances Carlile.

Think about your own hopes, fears, dreams and memories. Your own voyage through life.
Suitable for individuals of all ages or family groups with accompanied children from 5 years. Learn about how to process found materials and take a closer look at the natural world.
A wide variety of materials will be provided. Collect your own natural materials; leaves, twigs, shells, flowers, etc to include in your vessel if you wish.

FREE – Booking Essential, Limited Spaces
BOOK HERE

Live Music "IT AIN'T QUAINT"
2026-05-15 18:30 - 20:30
‘It Ain’t Quaint’ …a compact trio all about the Whisper and Shout of easy soul, jazz and blues to foot tapping crowd pleasers…with a twist.
Flamin’ Jayne…Sings and plays Sax, Clarinet and Guitar and looks after the art work. Chris Plinen…Sings and plays Guitar or Bass and empties the bins. David…sings and plays guitar.

They originate from the Trans Mersey Sessions of sing arounds, pubs, cafes and open mic nights, developing an eclectic mixed genre of music, unique to their show. Come along to the gallery and enjoy a lively, energetic and captivation performance.

Friday 15th May

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The Williamson Café will be open serving light bites & refreshments including alcoholic beverages.

Tour of Beyond The Brotherhood: Legacies of the Pre-Raphaelites
2026-05-15 14:00 - 15:00
Join Curator Josh Mackarell, on a guided tour of Beyond the Brotherhood, explore how the movement’s radical ideas, imagery and ideals evolved and echoed through later art and culture.
Rich with stories and surprising connections, this tour offers fresh insight into some of the Williamson’s most iconic paintings and Britain’s most influential artistic circles.

FREE – Booking Essential, Limited Spaces

BOOK HERE

Truth to Nature: Light & Shadow in Watercolour
2026-05-09 11:00 - 16:00
We are welcoming back Janine Pinion to work live in the gallery.
Janine lives in New Brighton and has specialised in watercolour for the past decade. Her semi-abstract technique is based on natural processes.

“I was enamoured of the Pre-Raphaelites as a young artist and still love their work today. The light and colour is other-worldly, and yet can be seen in real landscapes around Wirral. These moments carry the strong emotions revered by the Pre-Raphaelites. Their portraits also fascinate me and I aim to revisit and explore this theme too.”
“I challenge perceptions that watercolour is a difficult, secondary choice of medium and invite you to witness its magic.”

Come along to see Janine working live in Gallery 4. Surrounded by the inspirational pieces of the ‘Beyond the Brotherhood: The Legacies of the Pre-Raphaelites’ exhibition. You can ask her questions or just enjoy watching the art come to life.
Saturday 9th May

More about Janine

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The Williamson Open 2026 - SUBMISSIONS
2026-05-05 10:00 - 2026-06-14 17:00
The Williamson Open returns for 2026! Here’s the key dates you need:
Submissions Open: Tuesday 5th May
Submissions Close: Sunday 14th June
Exhibition: Friday 24th July – Saturday 10th October
Click the link below for full details and important information about submissions.

SUBMISSIONS HERE

'In Concert' - Opera Night
2026-05-01 18:30 - 20:30
Join us at the gallery for a night of live Opera and piano performances. “Whatever your musical taste, I’m sure you’ll find plenty to enjoy”.
We are excited to welcome Jeannette, Nick & Alan for their first ever performance together at the Williamson.
Their programme will include classical & contemporary songs, arias and musical pieces from the world of Opera, Musical theatre, Jazz improvisation, the Broadway Song book and much more.
Jeanette Jarrel is a soprano who has sung and performed with several groups locally, including Una Voce and West Kirby Light Opera, and is currently with Peninsula Singers. She has taken part in many choral, operatic and musical theatre productions. Her tastes are extremely eclectic, including R&B, Country, Stage and Musical Theatre, Opera and Classical music.
Nick Hardy is a tenor who has worked as a chorister with all the national opera companies in the UK, plus a season with the Royal Opera Covent Garden, which included a tour to Japan. With local companies he has sung 30 roles in opera and has many credits in the most popular oratorios.
Alan Derrick is a Wirral-based jazz pianist and accompanist. He managed the Wirral Community Choir for over 12 years, stepping down in 2019. He is heavily involved in the Singing Cafes, playing at 5 or 6 venues throughout the Wirral, and is the musical lead for the Liverpool Memory Singers, a group of people with dementia and their carers, based in Toxteth.

Friday 1st May
6:30pm
FREE – Limited seating available.

A Talk on Evelyn De Morgan's 'Medea'
2026-04-17 18:00 - 19:00
Join our Collections Manager Josh for a deep-dive into Evelyn De Morgan’s Medea.
As well as being one of the most popular pieces in our collection, Medea is a perfect example of many of the key principles of Pre-Raphaelite art, and Josh will reveal exactly how in this 45-minute talk. He will discuss Evelyn De Morgan’s work and place within the movement, closely explore the artistic style and technique of the work, and consider what about the story of Medea made the myth an appealing subject.
Free, but booking essential to guarantee your place.
Book Now

Passage: Drop-In Workshop with Frances Carlile
2026-04-11 12:00 - 15:00
Passage is an installation of beautiful and delicate vessel and house structures by environmental artist Frances Carlile.

Come along to a workshop where you can learn to make your very own paper bag boat to take home- a vessel to sail through your life.
Suitable for all ages and family groups. All materials provided.
Optional: Bring your own precious found materials to include if you wish. Leaves, shells, twigs, flowers etc.
FREE to join, no booking required

FOLLOW Frances Carlile on Instagram

The Williamson Café will be open serving lunch, snacks and refreshments.

The Heswall Strummers
2026-03-27 18:30 - 20:30
Fun Through Music.
The Heswall Strummers are a group of friends who got together pre Covid to enjoy playing a wide range of music and to raise money for charity.
The majority of the group are ukulele players but also include double base, harmonica, guitar, cajon, banjolele and keyboard, specialising in interactive sing-alongs as well as musical entertainment.

They have performed at many venues around the Wirral including; Caldy Open Gardens, the Christmas opening at GORDALE, the annual Cool Heswall environmental day, the annual Summer Strum in Hoylake as well as nursing homes, residential homes, pubs, cafes, charity events.

Live music with Julian Rees and Neil Gaskell
2026-03-20 18:30 - 20:30
We welcome Julian Rees back to the Williamson for an evening of music. This time Julian will be accompanied by Neil Gaskell, and they will play as a mandolin & guitar duo.
They will play two sets over the evening. The first will be traditional Welsh tunes taken from Julian’s book, and the second will be an eclectic mix of folk, blues, jazz and original compositions.
Julian Rees is a teacher, musician and mandolinist, author of the Mel Bay publication, “Welsh Airs and Dance Tunes for Mandolin”, and composer of “Ymdaith Idris/March of Idris,” as featured by award-winning author, Claire Fayers.
Through his YouTube channel, Julian showcases rare and traditional tunes, many unavailable elsewhere, offering a unique musical resource:
Julian’s YouTube Channel
Neil Gaskell is a multi-instrumentalist with a keen interest in creating original music. Encouraged by musical parents, Neil has been playing the guitar from childhood and has explored most styles. His musical interest led to the study of other instruments such as the sax/clarinet/flute and Irish whistle/Anglo concertina/piano accordion and the creation of original music. Now retired Neil had a successful musical life both performing and teaching instrumental music.
Neil enjoys compiling original instrumental pieces which can be listened to on YouTube and Soundcloud – search for Neil G UK.

MAKE. - Art After Dark
2026-03-20 16:00 - 21:00
Art After Dark 2026: Bigger, Bolder, Brighter!
Join us for a spectacular evening celebrating the beating artistic heart of Birkenhead!
Following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, Art After Dark is returning, and this year, it’s even bigger!
Teaming up with more venues than ever before to bring you an expanded night of incredible art, creativity, and community across the town.
Get ready to explore the town’s thriving creative scene with a packed programme that includes exhibitions, talks, and hands-on workshops.

MAKE. CIC

Here at the Williamson all exhibitions will be available to explore. Beyond The Brotherhood: Legacies of the Pre-Raphaelites and Echoes of the Floating World highlight gems from the Williamson’s own collections, while Loyalty by Steve des Landes and Adrian Jeans: The Portrait Paradox show case local artistic talent.
The evening also features a free performance by mandolinist Julian Rees accompanied by guitarist Neil Gaskell.
Wirral Archives based in the historic Cheshire Lines Building in Birkenhead will be sharing art and records from the archives.

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In Conversation: Steve des Landes and Angela Samata
2026-03-13 18:00 - 20:00
Steve des Landes has been Williamson Art Gallery & Museum’s Artist in Residence since January 2025. His current exhibition Loyalty exhibits work newly created during this time, alongside more than forty paintings from his recent practice. Together they present an insight into his bold and singular representations of the human condition.
Hear des Landes in conversation with Angela Samata, discussing his practice, philosophy and experiences as an artist.
Places are free, but booking in advance is essential.
Book Now
Find out more about Steve’s current exhibition Loyalty

Hummingbird Healing
2026-03-09 12:00 - 13:30
Hummingbird Healing CIC drop-in wellbeing session at the Williamson.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you to our new community wellbeing session.
Sessions will take place on the second Monday of each month. We’ll take our inspiration from the surroundings and blend crafting projects – Supplies will be provided – with chat, connection, meditation and mindfulness.

About
Hummingbird Healing CIC is a new Community Interest Company (CIC).
We are a small organisation focused on bringing beautiful ancient healing practices like meditation and Reiki into spaces to support wellbeing in a creative and crafty way. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome people of all genders.
We look to the community to guide what we do and how we do it.

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Frances Carlile: Passage
2026-03-09 10:00 - 2026-07-04 17:00
Passage is an installation of beautiful and delicate vessel and house structures by environmental artist Frances Carlile. Together they evoke the many types of journeys taken by individuals during their lifetime, and symbolise the transient passage between life and death.
Each one has been handcrafted using organic material collected during the artist’s own journeys through the landscape, including along the coastline of North Wales and Wirral.

Events:
Saturday 11th April, 12-3pm – Drop-in ‘paper bag boat’ workshop. Free, no booking required
Information

Northwestern
2026-03-06 18:30 - 20:30
Northwestern is a dynamic duo whose engaging performances and stellar recorded work reflect the considerable skills of both artists.

Chris Howarth is an eloquent singer-songwriter in the classic vein whose compositions have drawn substantive praise, for example, from Sonoro “ a core of compassionate optimism underscores the song-writing…. damn great, a fascinating meditation.”
Adrian Hough is a bottleneck guitarist who is renowned for his sympathetic accompaniment and emotive expression, about whom, Guitarist magazine stated that his “sublime slide-work is as stunning as it is varied.”

Together these two fine artists deliver a set of primarily original songs with interpretations of classics to appreciative audiences, wherever they play.
“Super cool sounds from Northwestern this evening, a duo that works effortlessly together, crafting great songs and delivering them impeccably! Clever and inventive songwriting, delivered superbly, this is a duo at the top of their game, so come check them out.”
[January ’26 The Salty Dog.]

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Creative Crafts for Adults
2026-03-02 13:00 - 2026-03-16 15:00
Join Amber Button CIC for a relaxed, friendly short course exploring book folding, decoupage and weaving in the beautiful setting of Williamson Art Gallery.
Funded by National Lottery, Recraft for Change explores creative ways to reuse and repurpose everyday items that might otherwise go to waste.
FREE to attend.
No experience needed and all materials provided. Plus, the lovely Williamson café will be open for delicious refreshments.
To book: WhatsApp 07727 102956
More about Amber Button CIC
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Dates:
Monday 2, 9 & 16 March
1:00 – 3:00pm

In Conversation with Adrian Jeans: The Portrait Paradox
2026-02-25 12:00 - 2026-04-25 15:00
The Portrait Paradox is an exhibition which brings together portraits from the Williamson’s collection and Adrian Jeans’ portrait-based sculpture, drawing, photography and video.
Adrian Jeans will be in conversation about his work, the inspiration he found in our collection and the intentions of the exhibition.

Dates:
Wednesday 25th February
Saturday 25th April

BOOK

The Annie Long Trio
2026-02-20 18:30 - 20:30
We’re welcoming the ever-popular Annie Long Trio back to the Williamson for another performance.
‘Step into Spring’ as we welcome sultry Wirral jazz Singer Annie Long together with her talented and versatile musicians.
They will be performing a stylish set of swing, blues, bossas and ballads.
The Café will be open for drinks and light bites.
Cafe Information

Wirral Menopause Community
2026-02-16 11:00 - 13:00
Wirral Menopause Community CIC drop in café.
A welcoming space for connection, care and community. If you are navigating pre, peri, or post-menopause and need a space to feel heard, supported and celebrated – this is for you.
Hear real stories from women already supported by our community.
The drop-in sessions are held on the third Monday of each month.

The Williamson Café will be open for refreshments.

The Portrait Paradox
2026-02-14 10:00 - 2026-05-09 17:00
The Portrait Paradox brings together portraits from the Williamson’s collection and Liverpool-based artist Adrian Jeans’ portrait-based sculpture, drawing, photography and video.
Jeans says: “Influenced by the Williamson’s fascinating art collection, I have been inspired by an under-acknowledged progressiveness in portraiture.
At its best it challenges the norms of the time and The Portrait Paradox will show how I and others have taken portraiture beyond a simplistic paradigm and used it to explore our wider humanity”

EVENTS: Click here to BOOK

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