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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Williamson Art Gallery
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260116T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270227T203000
DTSTAMP:20260519T120717Z
CREATED:20250402T144704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T120717Z
UID:10000265-1768586400-1803760200@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Open Studios with Steve des Landes
DESCRIPTION:From 2025\, Steve des Landes has been Artist in Residence at the Williamson. With a studio in our Art Room\, his intention starting the residency was to work on larger-scale paintings. \nHe will be hosting Open Studio sessions every Friday evening\, 6 – 8:30pm. Between these hours you can drop into his studio\, see what he’s working on and ask any questions. No booking required\, just pop into the gallery on Friday evenings. \nYou can also follow Steve’s progress on our social media channels \nRead more about Steve des Landes’s residency
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/open-studios-with-steve-des-landes/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260123T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261107T170000
DTSTAMP:20260416T151849Z
CREATED:20260115T144404Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T151849Z
UID:10000336-1769162400-1794070800@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Beyond the Brotherhood: The Legacies of the Pre-Raphaelites
DESCRIPTION:Formed in 1848\, the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood\, shook the foundations of the British art world with their bold colour palettes\, truth to nature\, and symbolism. \nThe Williamson collection holds some of the finest examples of works showing this artistic legacy. \nThe exhibition will also showcase the various ways in which Merseyside has been influenced by\, and instrumental in forging new directions for these legacies. \nThis will include Birkenhead’s Della Robbia Pottery Company\, and the ‘Liverpool School’ of landscape painters.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/beyond-the-brotherhood-the-legacies-of-the-pre-raphaelites/
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/medea-square.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260204T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20270206T170000
DTSTAMP:20260722T105311Z
CREATED:20260115T161303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260722T105311Z
UID:10000338-1770199200-1801933200@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Echoes of the Floating World
DESCRIPTION:The Williamson possesses a small but notable collection of woodblock prints in the Japanese Ukiyo-e style. \nThese were made by some of the most important names in the period\, from Hiroshige to Hokusai. \nTheir motifs of flat perspectives\, high vantage points\, and bold colour distinctions\, were a radical influence across European art\, including by artists from Wirral. \nAs such\, this exhibition will show local artworks alongside Ukiyo-e prints\, communicating how Wirral artists have been influenced by\, and in dialogue with\, artists from across the world. \n  \nEnds 6th February 2027
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/echoes-of-the-floating-world-japanese-prints/
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:20260724T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261010T170000
DTSTAMP:20260730T122104Z
CREATED:20260721T110106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T122104Z
UID:10000374-1784887200-1791651600@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Williamson Open 2026
DESCRIPTION:  \n  \n \n  \nThe exhibition is now open!!! \n  \nThe Williamson Open returns for 2026! Our much-loved annual exhibition showcases the best in art and photography made by artists across the Liverpool City Region. \n  \nTake It Home: Many of the artworks in the Open are available to buy. You can view and purchase artworks online as well as in-person this year. \n  \nView the Online Catalogue  \n  \nOn purchases made in the gallery\, we offer the Own Art scheme. \n \nOwn Art is a national initiative\, supported by Arts Council England\, to make it easy and affordable for anyone and everyone to buy contemporary art and craft by providing interest-free loans. \nChoose the artwork you love\, apply for a loan from as little as £250 and pay it back over    10 months\, completely interest-free. \n  \nFind out more about the scheme and eligibility criteria: www.ownart.org.uk \n  \nPlease note that Own Art cannot be applied to online artwork purchases. \n\n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/williamson-open-2026/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,Slide 2
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260810T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260907T160000
DTSTAMP:20260806T115127Z
CREATED:20260421T131820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T115127Z
UID:10000358-1786356000-1788796800@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Meet The Artist
DESCRIPTION:We are welcoming back Janine Pinion to work live in the gallery.  \nJanine lives in New Brighton and has specialised in watercolour for the past decade. Her semi-abstract technique is based on natural processes.  \n  \n“Working mainly in watercolour (as well as oils\, collage and drawing techniques) it’s usually  the light\, and the way light alters colour and sculpts the visual world\, which makes me interested in making a picture. I’m also interested in lines\, both natural and man-made\, deliberate and accidental\, and how these affect the way we look at our surroundings.” \n  \n \nCome along to see Janine working live in Gallery\, surrounded by the inspirational pieces of the exhibitions. You can ask her questions or just enjoy watching the art come to life. \nDates \nAugust 10th & 24th \nSeptember 7th September \n  \nMore about Janine \n  \nFollow on Facebook   &   Instagram
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/meet-the-artist/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Janine-Pinion-web.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260810T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261002T170000
DTSTAMP:20260813T110417Z
CREATED:20260811T102544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T110417Z
UID:10000381-1786356000-1790960400@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Guest Artist: Kerry Dunning
DESCRIPTION:‘I love to create\, design\, draw\, scrawl and doodle\, which lends itself nicely to a visual representation of the world around me. My work is a constantly evolving process.\nObservational drawing is key to all the work I create. I make a daily habit of sketching the world around me\, practising looking and observing the small details. I then get very experimental trying to create colourful\, bold and playful pieces. \n \n  \nAfter managing the children’s department in a bookshop I re-trained as a graphic designer with the award winning ninefootone.co.uk\, focusing on print. Following that excellent training I have developed my own style of digitally illustration using detailed layered illustrations to mimic the depth in tone of colours in nature. \n  \n  \nMore recently\, as a student at The Royal Drawing School\, I have moved away from digital work entirely. I have concentrated on developing and broadening my practise. MY current practise focuses on florals and faces using ink\, pencil\, charcoal\, paint and print. Living in the Lakes\, the Peaks and now by the coast I am inspired by the shifting and vibrant shades in the sky and water.’ \n  \nKerry’s work is currently on display and to purchase at the Williamson. \n10th August – 2nd October 2026 \n  \nMore about  KERRY DUNNING ILLUSTRATIONS \n  \nFollow on  Facebook  &  Instagram \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/guest-artist/
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:20260814T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261031T170000
DTSTAMP:20260811T152619Z
CREATED:20260409T100911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T152619Z
UID:10000353-1786701600-1793466000@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Leonard McComb: Nature & Humanity
DESCRIPTION:The Williamson Art Gallery & Museum will present the largest ever exhibition of work by one of the most important British artists of the 20th century\, Leonard McComb. \nLeonard McComb: Nature and Humanity will include the best works from the artist’s estate\, as well as choice loans from major public and private collections\, over 60 of the artist’s best pieces\, including painting\, watercolour\, drawings\, and sculpture\, will be brought together. These will include ‘Rock and Sea Anglesey’\, from Oriel Môn\, which\, measuring over 10 metres long\, is the largest drawing on paper held by any UK public collection. There will also be a selection of choice loans from Manchester Art Gallery and the Royal Academy. \nThe loans are supported by the Weston Loan Programme with Art Fund. Created by the Garfield Weston Foundation and Art Fund\, the Weston Loan Programme is the first ever UK-wide funding scheme to enable smaller and local authority museums to borrow works of art and artefacts from national collections. The exhibition is a collaboration with Art Space Gallery| Michael Richardson Contemporary Art and the Estate of Leonard McComb RA. \nLeonard McComb RA (1930-2018) received acclaim and accolades throughout his career for his work in different mediums including painting\, drawing and sculpture. This exhibition at the Williamson will have a particular focus on McComb’s ecological outlook\, which can be found throughout his work. Whether portrait\, still life\, landscape\, or sculpture\, McComb’s work demonstrates his beliefs on the beauty\, energy\, and interconnectedness of all life. \nCurator Josh Mackarell says that “we are delighted to be able to bring this major exhibition of an important and celebrated artist to Merseyside. McComb’s work is not just relevant to our modern times for its beauty and technical brilliance\, but also because its environmental outlook speaks to the fundamental debates of our time.” \nThe exhibition will open on Friday 14th August 2026 and run until Saturday 31st October. \nEvents: \nLife Drawing and Leonard McComb \nArt Meets Mindfulness: Yoga & Sound Bath \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/leonard-mccomb-nature-humanity/
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260817T123000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260817T133000
DTSTAMP:20260808T111948Z
CREATED:20260714T104111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260808T111948Z
UID:10000373-1786969800-1786973400@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Children's Story Time
DESCRIPTION:A NEW Community Monday summer reading group is starting at the Williamson with local children’s author Alicia Steens and Benny! \n  \nJoin Alicia for a magical Benny & Friends family experience. \nChildren can: \n\nMeet Benny\, the cuddly storybook bunny\, and take photos with him.\nTake a photo with Benny.\nHelp Benny find his lost picnic basket.\nEnjoy colouring activities.\nListen to a reading from Benny and the Lost Picnic Basket.\n\nCome along to discover the magical world of Benny & Friends and enjoy a fun\, interactive experience for young children and their families. \nFREE – Suitable for children aged 3-7 years old \n  \nBOOK HERE \n  \n \nClick the link to join the Benny & Friends Club and receive free colouring pages\, updates on new books\, family activities and future events. \n  \nBecome friends with Benny  \nCommunity Monday Noticeboard \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/childrens-story-time/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Benny-Main.jpeg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260817T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260817T150000
DTSTAMP:20260811T125106Z
CREATED:20260721T123259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260811T125106Z
UID:10000375-1786971600-1786978800@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Blank Page Club - Youth Group
DESCRIPTION:A NEW free\, gallery-based art club for young people comes to COMMUNITY MONDAYS\, run by qualified Art Teacher Billie Fletcher. \nIf you are aged 13-19 and have an interest in Art\, Design\, or anything creative – then join the\nclub! We will be looking at Williamson Art Gallery’s collections and exhibitions and creating\nour own works in response to what we see. \nWhether you are a beginner or an experienced artist\, these sessions are for everybody and\nBillie will be there to guide you through the process. The session is also a great opportunity\nto meet some likeminded people and spend some time in the amazing Williamson Art\nGallery. \nThese sessions are completely free\, and all materials are provided\, all you need to do is\ncome along and be creative! The session will be on Monday 17th August\, from 1pm to 3pm. \n– Parents and carers: if you would like to accompany your young person to the session there\nis a lovely café on site! \n  \nBook Here (FREE – Places are limited)  \nFollow Blank Page Club CIC  \n  \nCommunity Monday Noticeboard
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/blank-page-club/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/BLANK-PAGE-CLUB-Master-logo.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260818T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260826T150000
DTSTAMP:20260807T154215Z
CREATED:20260807T135906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T154215Z
UID:10000380-1787058000-1787756400@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Become a Cultural Ambassador
DESCRIPTION:Become part of an ambitious and growing programme at the Williamson Art Gallery. \nWith opportunities to support major exhibitions and events\, including the Leonard McComb exhibition ‘Nature & Humanity’ and the long awaited ‘You Gotta Get a Gimmick: The Paul O’Grady Story’. \n  \nWe are thrilled to announce\, we are looking for volunteers to become CULTURAL AMBASSADORS and be a part of the amazing exhibitions and events coming soon to the Williamson. An increasingly busy program at the Floral Pavilion means there is even more to get involved with alongside other exciting opportunities across our cultural venues including the greatly anticipated Centenary Celebrations of the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum. \n  \nHOW TO GET INVOLVED? Just come along to one of our recruitment drop-in sessions being held on: \nTuesday 18th & Wednesday 26th August at the Williamson Art Gallery. \nNo need to book\, just drop in between 1-3pm .
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/cultural-ambassador/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/1000024691-scaled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260903T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260903T143000
DTSTAMP:20260812T095239Z
CREATED:20260728T123030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260812T095239Z
UID:10000377-1788436800-1788445800@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Art Meets Mindfulness: Yoga & Sound Bath
DESCRIPTION:Step away from the pace of everyday life and immerse yourself in a unique wellbeing experience where art\, movement and mindfulness come together. \nInspired by the work of artist Leonard McComb\, whose paintings explore spirituality\, nature and the interconnectedness of all life\, these one-hour sessions invite you to slow down\, reconnect and experience McComb’s exhibition\, the Williamson Art Gallery and meditation in a new way. \nThrough gentle\, accessible yoga\, mindful breathing and a deeply restorative sound bath\, you’ll be guided to cultivate presence\, reflection and a sense of connection – echoing the themes that flow through McComb’s work. \nNo previous yoga experience is needed. Everyone is welcome. \nJoin us for one or both sessions and discover where art meets mindfulness. \n  \nThursday 3rd September \nTwo Sessions 12:00pm & 1:00pm \n  \nBook Here \n  \nAbout MILAP \nHolistic wellbeing practitioner Siân Griffin \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/art-yoga-and-sound/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Yoga-image-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260904T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260904T203000
DTSTAMP:20260723T094711Z
CREATED:20250923T105919Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T094711Z
UID:10000326-1788546600-1788553800@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Live Music From E'n'B & Friends
DESCRIPTION:Two acts in one evening bringing fantastic live music to the Williamson for a Friday night! \n“EnB” are a duo who play ukelele\, guitar\, bass and drums to sing along to; they enjoy all types of music\, only performing songs they enjoy singing. Performing an eclectic mix of songs from the likes of The Houghton Weavers to The Killers\, via John Prine and Cat Stevens. \nThey are returning for another performance with their “Friend” the accomplished singer\, songwriter\, Mark Miller.  \nHe is a talented local musician whose deft guitar playing is always a joy to listen to. A singer-songwriter\, Mark will be performing some of his own songs along with a set of covers. He should not be missed! \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nDuring the concert E’n’B will be raising money for the charity Alzheimers UK and hope the audience enjoy supporting the charity while listening to some fantastic music. \nFREE ENTRY \nThe Williamson Café will be serving drinks (including alcohol) and snacks.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/enb-and-friends/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/BP-EnB.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260918T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260918T210000
DTSTAMP:20260804T210939Z
CREATED:20260804T143014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T210939Z
UID:10000379-1789750800-1789765200@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:"All In For Fin - Postcards from the heart"
DESCRIPTION:This one-of-a-kind fundraising art event will feature 360 miniature art works. \nOver 100 artists from Wirral\, Nationally & Internationally have donated beautiful original postcard sized art in a variety of media from traditional oil painting to textile art – all sales to raise vital funds for Finlay Cormack & show their support for the ‘All In For Fin’ campaign. \nRead more here: ALL IN FOR FIN \n“Every single anonymous postcard will be available to purchase off the wall on the night for £20.00. Do come to this free to enter art event\, let’s bring our creative communities together\, make it a night to remember and raise all we can for Fin!” \nEvent organiser Laura Weston\, Oxton Art Fair. \nEntry from 5:00pm  \nAuction starts at 6:00pm \nFollow Fin’s Journey  Facebook   &   Instagram
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/all-in-for-fin/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/all-in-for-fin-tile-image.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260925T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260925T203000
DTSTAMP:20260710T154901Z
CREATED:20251006T094614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260710T154901Z
UID:10000329-1790361000-1790368200@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Kaboodle Choir & Kab'Ukes
DESCRIPTION:Kaboodle Community Choir were formed in 2007. Their performances at the gallery are always entertaining\, and they’ll be performing a broad range of popular songs. \nThey are supported by Kab’Ukes\, a small band of Ukelele players\, who are all members of the choir. They’ll be performing their own fun and energetic set in the middle of the show. \n  \nFollow Kaboodle Choir here \n  \nFriday 25th September \nFREE \nThe Williamson Cafe will be open for refreshments.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/kaboodle-choir-and-kabukes/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/kaboodle1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261204T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261204T170000
DTSTAMP:20260727T154607Z
CREATED:20260326T110011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260727T154607Z
UID:10000351-1796378400-1796403600@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Opening December 2026: You Gotta Get a Gimmick: The Paul O’Grady Story
DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” \nA major exhibition delving into the private archive of Paul O’Grady\, revealing his life in front of and behind the cameras will open in his hometown of Birkenhead at the end of this year. You Gotta Get A Gimmick – The Paul O’Grady Story will be a free exhibition at Williamson Art Gallery and will open on 4 December 2026.  \n  \nThe exhibition\, featuring a wider community and participation programme\, will give a first glimpse into the extensive archive of Paul\, contextualising him as an LGBTQIA+ icon\, an award-winning broadcaster\, passionate activist and someone who gave a voice to the voiceless\, particularly those with four paws. From Tranmere to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern\, the “blonde bombsite of Birkenhead” to Battersea Dog’s Home\, the exhibition will present Paul O’Grady is one of Britain’s most cherished\, and significant cultural figures.  \nBirkenhead is at the heart of Paul O’Grady’s story\, whether it is the acid tongue of Lily Savage\, the humour and activism of Paul as a presenter and entertainer\, the determination to stand up for a cause and the working-class identity at his core. Premiering the exhibition in the town has been the central ambition of the curatorial team\, and The Paul O’Grady Estate with a commitment to keeping access free. \n  \nEarly Years \nPaul James O’Grady was born to Molly and Paddy on 14 June 1955 in Birkenhead and was brought up in a close-knit Irish Catholic household in Tranmere. The youngest of three children\, he first attended St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Prenton and then St. Anselm’s College in Birkenhead\, which was founded by the Christian Brothers.  After leaving school Paul worked in a variety of jobs including being a clerk in the Magistrates Courts and a care worker in a Children’s Convalescent Home in West Kirby. \n  \nCrossover into mainstream \nSet against the turbulent social and political landscape of 1980s Britain\, the exhibition charts the rise of Lily Savage within the context of Section 28 and widespread homophobia. Lily Savage emerged as a defiant response to the era’s unrest\, channelling working-class resilience into high-glamour\, razor-sharp satire. \nAs we mark the 60th anniversary of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act\, the exhibition places Paul O’Grady at the vanguard of LGBTQIA+ visibility. It maps the moment queer culture crossed over from the pub and club underground into the collective heart of the British public\, forever altering the national cultural fabric.  \nLily’s television career included hosting “The Lily Savage Show” (BBC); “Lily Live” (ITV); and “Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank”. After resting Lily\, Paul O’Grady’s career flourished in many directions from the BAFTA award-winning “The Paul O’Grady Show”\, “Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs” and “Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes” to name but a few. He also had a definitive decade-long residency on BBC Radio 2\, making him one of the most significant cultural figures of his generation. \nHe has written four volumes of his autobiography and in 2017 “Paul O’Grady’s Country Life” was published.  Paul’s children’s books about Eddie Albert focus on a boy who lives with his dad after his mum has died and who finds he has the ability to talk to animals.  They are his friends and they have adventures together which include rescuing a baby orangutan from a cruel owner.  Paul wanted his books to encourage children to be kind to animals as well as wanting to support children who are bullied in school or who feel they don’t fit in. \nDespite all his success which undoubtedly changed his life he remained passionate about speaking out when he considered people were being treated unjustly and in his TV series about the Working Class and “The Sally Army and Me” he wanted to highlight the day to day struggles of ordinary people and show the hard work that goes on often unnoticed by the powers that be. \n  \nThe Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character \nFor the first time\, the public is invited to engage with the meticulous craft behind the persona. The exhibition brings together a unique selection of items from Paul O’Grady’s archive: \n\nIconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.\nMedia: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.\nPrivate World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.\n\n  \nA Living Heritage \nThanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund\, this exhibition will spread from behind the gallery walls to document Paul’s legacy and the lived experience of his peers and community. Through a series of oral history sessions\, the exhibition documents the lived experiences of the local LGBTQIA+ community\, ensuring Paul O’Grady’s legacy is intertwined with the heritage of the Northwest and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. The exhibition will be accompanied by a year-long public programme of Talking Heads\, music\, performance and cabaret to inspire and platform the next generation of queer talent alongside reading clubs of Paul O’Grady children’s books in libraries across the Wirral. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. \nWith thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/paul-ogrady/
LOCATION:Merseyside
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,Slide 4
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