Williamson Art Gallery

A Talk on Evelyn De Morgan's 'Medea'
2026-04-17 18:00 - 19:00 UTC | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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.

FOLLOW WIRRAL ARCHIVES

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.

Follow Here

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
Follow on social media: Facebook and Instagram
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

Follow Adrian

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Yoga Nidra with Claire
2026-02-09 13:00 - 14:15
Yoga Nidra a beautiful restorative yoga practice – a deep meditative relaxation- offered by local yoga teacher, Claire Hesketh.
Winter’s icy grip still holds on but hints of change are evident. As longer days beckons receive this offering of a restorative yoga practice.
Shortly after the Celtic festival of Imbolc, when we celebrate the beginning of Spring, we will come together to kindle hope, preparing to shed the darkness. Even after the coldest of winters warmth and light are waiting to emerge, and we gather to celebrate small quiet beginnings present in the first breaths of spring.
Allow yourself to rest deeply in the borderland between waking and sleeping, in the borderland of Spring.
This 75-minute practice offers calming yoga breathwork and restorative postures to ground us and cultivate a sense of warmth and connection with ourselves and each other. We will reflect on what we wish to nourish and nurture this spring, supported by the Earth herself leading the way. We can consider what new growth we desire in ourselves. Then we move into a practice of Yoga Nidra or Yoga Sleep.
Leave with a sense of calm and deep peace to move forward into the longer, lighter days.
Come prepared to settle down and be cosy and comfortable. Please bring your yoga mat, blankets, and a small cushion. Wear comfortable warm clothes. Bring a journal if you wish to write down what emerges for you.

About Clair Hesketh
Claire Hesketh is a retired psychotherapist and after a lifelong career in the NHS is now able to commit herself fully to sharing the teachings and gifts of yoga. Having recently returned to the Wirral after many years living in the northeast Claire is passionate about emotional wellbeing and offers a range of yoga practices focusing on supporting our daily lives through all of yoga’s teachings.
She offers a calm holding space and specialises in yoga nidra and yoga for menopause.
Come prepared to settle down and be cosy and comfortable. Please bring your yoga mat, blankets and a small cushion. Wear comfy warm clothes.

Click here to BOOK

Guest Artist: Kate Stewart
2026-02-09 10:00 - 2026-05-09 17:00
Factory Floor Jewels is a growing UK jewellery brand by independent design-maker Kate Stewart.

Each piece is meticulously handmade in her Liverpool studio and tells the story of her fascination with the engineering and marine history of the city which stems from her relationship with her engineer father.

Inspired by the enduring strength and beauty of industrial materials and processes, each Factory Floor Jewels collection features an eclectic mix of materials, including silver, steel, brass, and copper, creating jewellery that is both captivating and versatile.
Most of her designs begin with scrap or waste materials gathered from local engineering workshops. Her final collections sometimes feature these repurposed materials and all silver used is recycled.

Kate creates pieces that have a timeless look, with clean lines and classic silhouettes that never go out of style. Factory Floor Jewels pieces tell a story and are always conversation starters designed to make you stand out from the crowd. They also make perfect gifts for those who appreciate unique design and a touch of industrial flair.

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The Little Chameleons Art Club
2026-02-07 10:30 - 2026-04-04 12:30
The Little Chameleons are monthly, child-led art classes that encourage creativity
through exploration and shared making.

Sessions focus on process rather than finished outcomes, supporting confidence, communication, and creative thinking in a calm, inclusive environment.
Classes take place on the first Saturday of each month, with two sessions: one for 18 months–6 years and a more open session for children up to 8 years.

Click here to BOOK

Follow @thelittlechameleonsartclub on Instagram.

Session times:
10:30am – 11:15am (18 months – 6 years)
11:45am – 12:30pm (Up to 8 years)
Dates:
February: 7th
March: 7th
April: 4th

Split Level Music
2026-02-06 18:30 - 20:30
Split Level music with Phil Chisnall and Lynne Strange.
The duo specialise in strong vocal harmony accompanied by Phil’s haunting guitar, performing a broad range of contemporary covers as well as Phil’s own critically acclaimed, self written songs.
They have performed at many local venues and folk clubs, where their unique blend of musical entertainment captivates any audience.

We are looking forward to welcoming Split Level music back to the Williamson.

The Williamson Café will be open for drinks and light bites.

Mike Hughes- Jazz Vibes
2026-01-23 18:30 - 20:30
The Williamson is excited to welcome local musician Mike Hughes for a night of Jazz & Guitar.
He is a versatile instrumentalist, specializing in vibraphone and percussion, known as a top curator of the Wirral jazz scene. He is a regular sideman for the best jazz players in the UK and is an established soloist in his own right.
Come along to hear some extraordinary vibraphone music. He will be accompanied by the wonderful jazz guitarist Paul McRae.

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Follow Mike

The Williamson café will be open for light bites and refreshments.

Loyalty
2026-01-15 10:00 - 2026-05-23 17:00
Loyalty: An Exhibition of Paintings by Steve des Landes

Steve des Landes has been Artist in Residence at the Williamson since early 2025.
This major solo exhibition will include new artwork created in the gallery, alongside more than forty paintings from his recent practice. Together they will present an insight into his bold and singular representations of the human condition.
The exhibition will focus on des Landes representations of figures in the landscape. The people in his paintings are unsentimental; and the artist’s narratives evolve to give an insight into the complex emotional lives of his characters. His paintings are energetic and restless, inviting a constantly evolving dialogue between the painting, artist and viewer.
Des Landes’ personal artistic vision holds a deep connection with the landscape of the Liverpool City Region. His recent move to a studio at the Williamson is part of a continuing journey of engaging with the artistic landscape of the area, which began when he joined the Liverpool Artist’s Workshops in the late 1980s.
The latter cemented his position as an artist with a deep personal psychology and social angle to his work, which continues to be present in his paintings.
View the Exhibition Catalogue online
View Steve des Landes’ Instagram
TAKE THE ART HOME:
Many of Steve’s paintings included in this exhibition are for sale. You can view and purchase online, or speak to a member of staff in the gallery.
Shop Now

Steve des Landes is represented by David Messum Fine Art.
Visit their website.

EVENTS:
In Conversation with Steve des Landes and Angela Samata. Friday 13th March, 6pm, free but booking essential. Book Now
The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of events including open studios.

Christmas With The Spinoffs
2025-12-19 18:30 - 20:30
Spinoffs performances at the Williamson are always hugely popular and we’re happy to welcome them back in December.
They’re a group of eight friends who originally just met up on a weekly basis to play their instruments and sing together for the pure fun of it. They started with no intention of performing in public; that was 8 years ago…
They continue to enjoy playing a range of music together whilst raising money for local charities and do hope you will enjoy listening to their Christmas Set.

Wirral Libraries Story Patchwork Project
2025-12-17 08:00 - 2026-01-02 17:00
Introducing Wirral Libraries Story Patchwork Project celebrating Wirral Borough of Culture!
In January 2024, to celebrate library communities, Wirral Libraries hatched an adventure with a message to borrowers and social media followers to create a patch depicting what they
loved about Wirral- YOUR STORY/YOUR WIRRAL

Every single patch handed in was incorporated into the final Story Patchwork which has been touring Wirral since October 2024, promoting the libraries and celebrating the people, places and communities.
When we think of libraries we think of words but there are more ways to tell a story. Residents aged 4-94 drew, painted, stitched, stuck and wrote to tell their stories in the ways they could.
These patchwork stories are now on display at the Williamson Art Gallery until the New Year. After seeing the patches, people have been encouraged to visit places on The Wirral they had not been before or to revisit places they remember from their past.
Find out more about Wirral Libraries

Live music with Eleanor Kelly
2025-12-05 18:30 - 20:30
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

Music from the Wirral 3L's Choir
2025-11-21 18:45 - 19:45
‘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

Oxton Art Fair
2025-11-15 10:00 - 2025-11-16 16:00
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

Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize
2025-11-14 10:00 - 2026-02-21 17:00
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

Kaboodle Choir, supported by Kab'Ukes
2025-10-31 18:30 - 20:30
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.

Yoga & Sound: Wellness Experience
2025-10-30 11:30 - 13:00
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

Live music with Mark Miller/ EnB
2025-10-24 18:30 - 20:30
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.

The Williamson Open 2025
2025-10-10 08:00 - 2025-12-13 17:00
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.

Wirral History & Heritage Open Days: Della Robbia and Architecture Talk
2025-09-18 10:30 - 2025-09-27 15:00
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 to adorn buildings in the local area.
FREE to attend, booking required.

Click Here to Book Now

September 18th, 19th & 27th
10:30am & 3pm
