A Duo of Duos
2025-08-29 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Live Music by E n B a couple who enjoy singing and playing instruments together return to the Williamson. They perform an eclectic mix of songs from the likes of The Houghton Weavers
to the Killers via John Prine and Cat Stevens.
E n B will be joined by Pam & Keith bringing together the sounds of the Acoustic Guitar and Violin. Showcasing original music and covers of your favourite hits.
These two vibrant duos will be performing in the Café which is set to be a fabulous Friday evening.
The Café will be open for drinks and light bites.

Preserving Ghosts: A Workshop About Pickling & Grief
2025-09-06 13:00 - 15:00
Join artist Emily Simpson for a hands-on, open conversation about grief, through the grounding process of making pickles.

As part of Who Wants Flowers When They’re Dead?, exhibiting artist Emily Simpson invites people who have experienced grief to join them for a workshop centred around a communal ritual of preservation – making pickles. As we chop vegetables and prepare pickle jars together, there will be moments for reflection and conversation about grief. Pickling becomes a metaphor for the magical thinking of grief – how we carry people forward with us as we learn to live with loss. The aim is to find connection, explore grief literacy, and create a space where those living with loss can feel less alone. This workshop forms part of Emily’s artwork in the exhibition; a patchwork tablecloth and place setting for shared conversations.

The work is inspired by Emily’s experience of tending to their Dad’s allotment after his death. It speaks to the magical thinking of grief, how loss evolves, takes root in the landscape, and to a wider sense of ecological grief in our collective disconnection from nature.

Book NowPlease note:Places are limited to 8 participants so please only book if you are certain you can attend. Likewise, please get in touch if you can no longer come, so we can offer your place to someone else.
Please be Aware:
– This workshop is for anyone who has experienced grief and is ready to talk about it, or anyone who is interested in learning more about it.
– The session will focus on our experience of grief and living with loss rather than the details of a person’s death. This is to avoid more distressing subject matter.
– Whilst Emily is an experienced facilitator in this subject, they are not a trained counsellor.
– Participants are invited to be respectful and sensitive towards other people and their experiences. We recognise that taking part in an event like this requires people to be vulnerable and so participants are asked to be mindful of this and considerate of each other’s boundaries and the different stages of grief we may be in.
– The workshop aims to create a positive and affirming space. However, we recognise that it may bring up difficult emotions. Please create space for any thoughts and feelings to settle after your visit. Make time to; go for a walk, drink your favourite tea, cook something comforting, listen to your favourite song, sit by a tree. Please be gentle with yourself

Book Now

Liverpool Shanty Choir, 'The Surplus Badge' and The Long Haul
2025-09-13 14:30 - 16:30
Join Artist A & Artist B and Liverpool Shanty Choir for a live performance of their shanty songs and release of a limited edition 7” single with screen printed sleeve artwork.
Artist A & Artist B will introduce their practice and discuss ‘The Long Haul’, their new commission for Liverpool Independent’s Biennial exhibited in the Williamson’s Maritime Gallery and screen their film, The Surplus Badge, commissioned in 2023 for the British Textiles Biennial.

Book Now

Sunflower Dreams Project
2025-09-17 10:00 - 2026-01-31 17:00
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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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 Pop Orchestra and Wirral Big Band
2025-12-20 14:00 - 16:00
Wirral Pop Orchestra & Wirral Big Band Presents: A CHRISTMAS 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 festive performance.

The Williamson Café will be open where you can perchance a ‘Festive Mini Afternoon Tea’ and other 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.

Open Studios with Steve des Landes
2026-01-16 18:00 - 2027-05-23 20:30
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.
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

Beyond the Brotherhood: The Legacies of the Pre-Raphaelites
2026-01-23 10:00 - 2026-12-24 17:00
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.
The Williamson collection holds some of the finest examples of works showing this artistic legacy.
The exhibition will also showcase the various ways in which Merseyside has been influenced by, and instrumental in forging new directions for these legacies.
This will include Birkenhead’s Della Robbia Pottery Company, and the ‘Liverpool School’ of landscape painters.

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.

More
Follow Mike

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

Echoes of the Floating World
2026-02-04 10:00 - 2026-12-24 17:00
The Williamson possesses a small but notable collection of woodblock prints in the Japanese Ukiyo-e style.
These were made by some of the most important names in the period, from Hiroshige to Hokusai.
Their motifs of flat perspectives, high vantage points, and bold colour distinctions, were a radical influence across European art, including by artists from Wirral.
As 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.

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.

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

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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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

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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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 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

In Conversation with Adrian Jeans: The Portrait Paradox
2026-02-25 14:00 - 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

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
