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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
As part of Wirral History and Heritage Open Days, the Williamson will be taking a deep dive into the collection. Join our Collections Manager Josh as we delve into the early history of Della Robbia ceramics, focusing on the beautiful panels made by the company...
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...
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....
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...
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