Philip Wilson Steer: In Conversation
2025-02-12 10:00 - 2025-12-20 17:00 UTC | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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.
As 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.
The 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.

EVENTS:
Curator talks on Albert Richards & Philip Wilson Steer – dates throughout 2025
Info & Booking

Albert Richards
2025-02-12 10:00 - 2025-12-20 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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.
As 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.
EVENTS:
Curator talks on Albert Richards & Philip Wilson Steer – dates throughout 2025
Info & Booking

Subterranean Elevator
2025-02-14 10:00 - 2025-12-20 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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.
Mainstone 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.
The artwork aims to deepen our understanding of biodiversity loss and engage with the emotional landscape of the climate emergency.
How to Experience Subterranean Elevator
Please allow for your eye to adjust to a darker space when entering the space, moving slowly and with caution.
Shoes are to be removed before entering the sand box.
If you are entering the sand box, please use the spaces below the benches to store belongings.
There are steps at the side of the sand box to enter and exit.
Children must be supervised at all times in the space and sandbox.
Do not throw sand.

Elizabeth Smolen: Trailblazer
2025-02-21 10:00 - 2025-10-18 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
NOW CLOSING 18TH OCTOBER 2025
Discover the life of local legend Elizabeth Smolen, a Polish refugee who settled in Birkenhead and became a champion scooter racer and successful businesswoman.
A 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.
Objects 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.
The exhibition also explores the broader Wirral scooter scene, featuring photos and memorabilia from Birkenhead-based Cloud 9 Scooter Club.
Produced in collaboration with Big Heritage.

Curator Tours: Richards and Steer
2025-03-26 11:00 - 2025-12-19 17:00 | Merseyside
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.

These 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.

Click Here to Book Now

Dates & Times:
Friday 22nd August, 6pm
Wednesday 17th September, 11am
Friday 24th October, 6pm
Wednesday 12th November, 11am
Friday 19th December, 6pm

Open Studios with Steve des Landes
2025-04-04 18:00 - 2025-12-19 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Throughout 2025, Steve des Landes is 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.
He 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.
You can also follow Steve’s progress on our social media channels
Read more about Steve des Landes’s residency

I'll Tell You Later: BSL Happy Snappers and Emma Case
2025-07-16 10:00 - 2025-11-01 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
NOW EXTENDED TO 1ST NOVEMBER
An inspiring exhibition showcasing the work of the Happy Snappers, a Wirral-based photography group made up of both Deaf and BSL users.
I’ll Tell You Later explores the relationship between the Deaf experience and the hearing world. It sheds light on the barriers D/deaf individuals face, while showing the Happy Snappers as a powerful example of how inclusive, supportive communities can break down these obstacles. Through their work, the group highlights the importance of creating a more inclusive society that benefits everyone.
This exhibition is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation through the lens of photography.
Happy Snappers are a group of friends who are both Deaf and BSL users. They get together and enjoy life outside and explore some of the Wirral’s hidden locations and beautiful scenery, and capture these locations on camera. They are not a professional photography group but share the same love of meeting people, socialising and having fun.
Emma Case is a socially engaged photographer working with local communities focusing on projects that often explore home, identity, memory and place. Emma is interested in building real relationships over time and working collectively, often looking at social issues and their impact but through the lens of changing the narrative through storytelling. Emma is fluent in British Sign Language and has worked with the Deaf community for over 20 years; from support worker with SignHealth to Actress with Deafinitely Theatre. Emma is extremely passionate about accessibility for Deaf audiences and artists within cultural spaces.
I’ll Tell You Later is part of Photo Here, a programme of socially engaged photographic residencies and exhibitions commissioned by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority as part of this year’s Cultural Events Programme. Developed by Open Eye Gallery in collaboration with each of six local authorities: Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

Sunflower Dreams Project
2025-09-17 10:00 - 2025-12-20 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
The Sunflower Dreams Project is a series of exhibitions held across the EU, UK, and North America, organised by a team of international volunteers, all of whom have served in Ukraine since the full-scale war started in 2022.
The project partners with artists Nataliia and Yustyna Pavliuk, who run art healing masterclasses in Lviv, to present a sample of the paintings created by the Ukrainian children they work with. The paintings they create are filled with dreams, joy, and love for family and home.
These paintings are displayed alongside works from the Williamson’s collection by Albert Richards, the youngest official war artist to be killed in action during WWII.
Seeing them side by side offers different perspectives on the impact of war, with The Sunflower Dreams project presenting an important contemporary perspective on how war effects young lives.

More On The Sunflower Dreams Project

Little Chameleons Art Club
2025-09-24 10:30 - 2025-12-17 11:30 | Merseyside
The Little Chameleons Art Club is a fun, hands-on art class for toddlers and young children ages 18 months to 5 years. Sessions are all about creativity, exploration, and sensory play, helping little ones develop confidence and motor skills while having lots of fun.
Expect messy arts and crafts, themed activities designed to spark imagination as well as child led free play.
All materials are provided — just bring your child in clothes you don’t mind getting messy! The relaxed, friendly environment encourages self-expression and social interaction, making it a perfect space for young artists to explore and create.
AUTUMN DATES including Halloween Special:
September: 24th
October: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22th, 29th
November: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th
December: 3rd, 10th, 17th
Book Now
The Little Chameleons Art Club Website

The Williamson Open 2025
2025-10-10 08:00 - 2025-12-13 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
The Williamson Open is BACK for 2025! Our much-loved annual exhibition showcases the best in art and photography made by artists across the Liverpool City Region.
The exhibition is now open!
Take 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
View the Online Catalogue
On purchases made in the gallery, we offer the Own Art scheme.
Own 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.
Choose the artwork you love, apply for a loan from as little as £100 up to £2,500 and pay it back over 10 months, completely interest-free.

Find out more about the scheme and eligibility criteria: www.ownart.org.uk
Please note that Own Art cannot be applied to online artwork purchases.

The Annie Long Trio
2025-10-17 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
We’re welcoming the ever-popular Annie Long Trio back to the Williamson for another performance.
Welcoming back sultry Wirral jazz diva Annie Long together with her talented and versatile musicians, Keith Singleton on guitar and and Michael Hughes on vibes.
Expect an autumn themed set of popular swing jazz standards, Latin vibes and bluesy ballads.
The Cafe will be open for drinks and light bites.
Cafe Information

Live music with Mark Miller/ EnB
2025-10-24 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Two acts in one evening bring fantastic live music to the Williamson for a Friday night!
Mark Miller is a talented local musician, singer-songwriter, he is performing solo this evening for us. Mark will be performing some of his own songs along with a set of covers. He should not be missed!
EnB are a couple who sing and play instruments together, The perform an eclectic mix of songs from the likes of The Houghton Weavers to The Killers, via John Prine and Cat Stevens.
The Williamson Cafe will be serving drinks and snacks.

Yoga & Sound: Wellness Experience
2025-10-30 11:30 - 13:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Yoga with Live Sitar Music An immersive experience by Milap at The Williamson
Join us for a deeply restorative yoga session with the gentle, meditative sounds of live sitar music.
Led by yoga practitioner Sian Griffin with music by sitarist Jonathan Mayer this 90-minute
experience invites you to slow down, tune in, and connect.
Each session blends pranayama (breathwork), asana (movement), and a guided deep relaxation, ending with a live sound bath using sitar and crystal singing bowls.
The practice is designed to be accessible for all levels, with both dynamic and gentle options available. Let the music move through you, grounding the body, quieting the mind, and opening the heart.

Click Here to Book Now

Kaboodle Choir, supported by Kab'Ukes
2025-10-31 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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.
They 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.
The Williamson Cafe will be open for refreshments.

Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize
2025-11-14 10:00 - 2026-01-31 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
The Williamson is delighted to be hosting the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize 2025 for its only exhibition outside of London.
The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize has an established reputation as the UK’s most important annual open exhibition for drawing. Established in 1994 by artist and Professor Anita Taylor, currently Dean of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design at the University of Dundee, and Director of Drawing Projects UK, the annual Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize celebrates talent and excellence in current drawing practice.
The exhibition provides an important platform for artists, designers, makers, architects and other drawing practitioners as a catalyst within their careers, and champions the role, breadth, and value of drawing in creative practices today.
The 2025 awards were announced on 8th October 2025, totalling £27,000 awarded to artists working in contemporary drawing.
The Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize is supported by the Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust – and 2025 marks the 8th year of their generous support for the annual open drawing exhibition.

About the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize

Oxton Art Fair
2025-11-15 10:00 - 2025-11-16 16:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
The hugely popular annual fair returns for two days!
Join 24 talented local artists and makers for the 21st annual Oxton Art Fair. Painting, Ceramics, Textiles, Jewellery, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Printmaking, Design & Illustration all available to purchase and browse.
The Williamson Cafe will be open throughout.
Saturday 15th: 10am-5pm
Sunday 16th: 10am-4pm

Music from the Wirral 3L's Choir
2025-11-21 18:45 - 19:45 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
‘3Ls’ stands for Learning, Leisure and Laughter, – principles epitomised by this Choir. Made up of people from all over the Wirral. Including people who have sung in choirs all their life and people for whom singing is a new adventure.
On Friday 21st November from 6.45pm they will be performing a programme that focuses on songs of love and friendship, led by their music Director, Stella McGann.
These performances are to raise funds through your donations for the Wirral Women’s and Children’s Aid (Refuge). Please come along to support this excellent local charity.
The Wirral 3Ls Choir is part of an organisation of daytime learning and leisure activities, ranging from Art to Languages and Pilates.
The Williamson Café will be open during the performances for drinks and light bites.

Find out more about Wirral 3Ls

Peter Rainsford Presents
2025-11-28 11:00 - 12:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Peter Rainsford presents a Miscellany of Music and Creativity.
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.
As well as a musical talk from Peter and songs from singer/songwriter Paula, this month’s special guest is tenor Terence Robertson who will sing a selection of well-known songs.
Terence Robertson has performed in France, Belgium, Italy, Germany Spain and Switzerland. He studied with Carlo Bergonzi and Luciano Pavarotti, and he has sung with Scottish Opera, English National Opera, Opera North, Opera Holland Park and won great success in the role of Verdi’s Otello with Welsh National Opera.

Tafelmusik website

Live music with Eleanor Kelly
2025-12-05 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Eleanor Kelly is a classical guitarist who has been a regular performer at the Williamson for many years, and we’re delighted to welcome her back for a new setlist performance.
In December she will be performing music by Latin women composers, focusing on the music of the beautiful music of Argentine composer Carmen Guzmán to celebrate her centenary. Expect fiery rhythms, beautifully intimate melodies, and an exploration of rich Latin music on guitar.
Free admission but donations welcome to support Eleanor’s Carmen Guzmán Recording Project, which you can read more about below.
Eleanor Kelly | Recording project

Life Drawing
2025-12-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Liverpool Life Drawing will be returning for the next of their Friday night Life Drawing sessions 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.
About Liverpool Life Drawing

Books and Banter
2025-12-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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 of December’s meeting will be Celebration.
Free to all – no need to book, just come along!
Take a look at the list from November’s session
MEMORY: books that punctuated your life

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

Enjoy the Piano
2025-12-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
A varied selection of Piano Music played by local musicians.
Our Enjoy the Piano sessions are going from strength to strength, and we are always happy to hear from musicians who would like to take part in the concert.
Please contact: Peter Rainsford- piedpiper2000@aol.com to book your place.

The Café will be open for refreshments.
