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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Williamson Art Gallery
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260612T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260612T203000
DTSTAMP:20260524T231320
CREATED:20250327T102914Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T092311Z
UID:10000262-1781289000-1781296200@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Life Drawing
DESCRIPTION:Liverpool Life Drawing will be returning for their next Friday night session at the Williamson. \nOpen 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. \n£10 cash or card payment on the night. No booking required. \nSessions will be on the second Friday of every month on an ongoing basis. \n  \nFollow Liverpool Life Drawing on social media \nFacebook     Instagram \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/life-drawing-class-workshop/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260612T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260612T203000
DTSTAMP:20260524T231320
CREATED:20250430T082221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260519T102954Z
UID:10000305-1781289000-1781296200@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Books and Banter
DESCRIPTION:Love books? Love talking about books? Love Books & Banter!\nBooks 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. \nThe theme for June is Natural History. \nFree to all – no need to book\, just come along! \n  \nTake a look at the list from May’s session  \n  \nThe Williamson Café will be open and serving refreshments\, including alcohol. \n 
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/books-and-banter-theme-eastern-europe/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260619T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260619T203000
DTSTAMP:20260524T231320
CREATED:20260522T102643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T111439Z
UID:10000363-1781893800-1781901000@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Wirral Singing Café - Coast To Coast
DESCRIPTION:Wirral Singing Café offers the local community a place where people can drop in for a drink and a sing along. \nMusicians from the Singing Cafes have been performing at various venues on the Wirral for over 12 years.  The musical repertoire is based largely around the songs from the 1940s to the 1980s with a bit of rock and roll dancing. Books of lyrics are also given out to audience members. \nA number of Lead Singers support the music\, and the main accompaniment is provided by a piano or guitar\, we aim to provide a happy chatty place to meet friends\, sing along\, or just sit back and enjoy the music. \nCafes are held regularly at 8 different venues throughout the Wirral; some are weekly\, and others are fortnightly or monthly. \nWirral Singing Café will be at the The Williamson Art Gallery & Museum on the 19th June at 18:30pm. This performance will be a mix of solo and duet pieces\, together with audience participation songs.  There is a wide variety of music\, so whatever your tastes\, you should find plenty to enjoy! \n  \n \nFREE – Donations are welcomed\, No booking needed. \n  \nThe Williamson Café will be open serving light bites & snacks as well as hot and cold drinks including alcoholic beverage.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/wirral-singing-cafe/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260626T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260626T203000
DTSTAMP:20260524T231320
CREATED:20260521T150253Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260522T085959Z
UID:10000364-1782498600-1782505800@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY:Live Music from Acoustica 2
DESCRIPTION:Martin and Willy Simmons: Harp and Concertina – a unique paring in English folk music\nMartin and Willy have been playing together for over 20 years in a ceilidh band\, folk trio and various pub sessions. Recently they have got together to play English Traditional Music in a traditional way. The set includes many tunes that were incredibly popular dance tunes in the 17th\, 18th and 19th centuries and are now being rediscovered by new generations. \n  \nBoth musicians have come to their current instruments later in life after long careers playing brass and woodwind. Willy is a former professional saxophone player and also a flute and whistle maker and player before taking up the English concertina. Martin played the trombone in various bands for many years before turning to the Anglo concertina and more recently the folk harp. \n  \nMORE FROM ACOUSTICA 2 \n  \nFREE ENTRY
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/live-music-from-acoustica-2/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260630T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260630T153000
DTSTAMP:20260524T231320
CREATED:20260521T102751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T102954Z
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SUMMARY:Workshop: Encouraging Younger Volunteers in Heritage and Culture groups
DESCRIPTION:We’re inviting local groups and organisations to join us on 30th June for a practical and engaging session focused on Encouraging younger volunteers\, delivered in partnership with Curious Minds and facilitated by Wirral CVS. \nYounger people bring energy\, fresh perspectives and new skills into the heritage and culture groups\, but many organisations tell us they’re unsure how to attract\, support and retain them effectively. This session is designed to help you bridge that gap. \nDuring the session\, you’ll: \n\nExplore what motivates young people to volunteer\nUnderstand common barriers and how to overcome them\nGain practical ideas to make your opportunities more accessible and appealing\nShare experiences and learn from others across the sector\nWhether you’re just starting to think about involving younger volunteers or looking to strengthen what you already offer\, this session will provide useful insight and actionable approaches.\n\nIf you’d like to attend\, please get in touch or secure your place via our website – \nEncouraging Younger Volunteers – Wirral CVS \nWe hope you can join us for what promises to be a valuable and thought-provoking session.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/6825/
LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events
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ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260814T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261031T170000
DTSTAMP:20260524T231320
CREATED:20260409T100911Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T094125Z
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SUMMARY:Coming soon- 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.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/coming-soon-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
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20261204T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20261204T170000
DTSTAMP:20260524T231320
CREATED:20260326T110011Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T133043Z
UID:10000351-1796378400-1796403600@williamsonartgallery.org
SUMMARY: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. \n\nSupported by a grant of £241\,484 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund\, Wirral Council has collaborated with Andre Portasio as Creative Consultant in association with Joan Marshrons\, alongside arts organisations Switchflicker and DuoVision. \n  \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  \nQuotes \nAndre Portasio:  “I will forever be in debt to Wirral Council\, The National Lottery Heritage Fund\, Switchflicker and all the supporters who have made it possible for me to bring the boy from Birkenhead back to his hometown. This exhibition showcases a variety of objects and costumes that mark his incredible career\, life\, and legacy. I am delighted the exhibition will be free for everyone in the UK and beyond to enjoy and celebrate his journey. It is my heartfelt wish that those who visit will feel the warmth of his spirit and remember the joy he brought to so many.” \nPaula Basnett\, Wirral Council: \n“It is incredibly special to be welcoming Paul O’Grady home to Birkenhead in this way. Paul never forgot where he came from\, and neither have we. To host this exhibition is a proud moment for our borough and a tribute to a man whose humour\, courage and compassion touched millions. We are deeply grateful to Andre Portasio and our creative partners for helping us share Paul’s story with warmth\, honesty and pride and to ensure it remains free and open to everyone.” \nHelen Featherstone\, Director\, England\, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund: “We’re thrilled to be supporting the exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Paul O’Grady in his hometown of Birkenhead\, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. The exhibition and wider project from Switchflicker will shine a light on LGBTQ+ heritage and Paul O’Gradys’ remarkable role in bringing that to the fore during his varied career.” \nJayne Compton\, Executive Producer at Switchflicker:  \n“Switchflicker is privileged to produce this project\, Paul O’Grady didn’t just inhabit a character; he channelled the defiant spirit of a community. This exhibition unmasks the artistry and journey from radical drag performer to becoming a national treasure.”    \nJames Lawler\, Curator at DuoVision:  \n“We’re excited to be given this opportunity to focus on the life and work of trailblazing artist Paul O’Grady. I had the pleasure of working with Paul in the 1980s\, and it’s great to now have the chance to celebrate this unique character\, his amazing talent and achievements.”   \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. \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\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. Further details are set to be announced soon.
URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/paul-ogrady/
CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,Slide 2
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