Williamson Art Gallery

Christmas With The Spinoffs
2025-12-19 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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 | 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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Wirral History & Heritage Open Days: Della Robbia and Architecture Talk
2025-09-18 10:30 - 2025-09-27 15:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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

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

Liverpool Shanty Choir, 'The Surplus Badge' and The Long Haul
2025-09-13 14:30 - 16:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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.

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Preserving Ghosts: A Workshop About Pickling & Grief
2025-09-06 13:00 - 15:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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

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A Duo of Duos
2025-08-29 18:30 - 20:30 | 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.

In Conversation with Ben Youdan
2025-08-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Merseyside
Join artist Ben Youdan in conversation to find out more about his process of creating art.

Ben Youdan’s work ‘Mask’ is currently on display at the Williamson as part of the Independents Biennial 2025.
Youdan is a visual artist based in Liverpool, U.K. His mixed media work employs a wide variety of techniques and processes including collage, drawing, painting, printmaking and photography, to create imagery that takes inspiration from the iconography and ephemera of popular culture. His pieces explore themes such as identity, glamour and sexuality.

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Wirral Theatre Festival - Evening Shows
2025-08-15 18:00 - 21:30 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Wirral Theatre Festival aims to showcase local stories and nurture professional talent either entering or re-emerging into the industry.
The Festival takes place at the Williamson on Friday 15th August, and then at the Floral Pavilion on Saturday 16th.
Saturday evening is a showcase of new writing. One ticket gets you access to all the shows performed this evening. The first show starts at 6pm.
Second Chance
A one-man-show about a prisoner on death row. He shares his story – his troubled past, the love that gave him hope, and the moment everything changed. With time running out, he reflects on the choices, the fate, and the justice that led him here. Will he get his second chance? Raw, emotional, and deeply human—Second Chance will leave you questioning everything.
Octavia
A tragedy wherein Paul, the husband, goes to space, leaving Adelaide, his wife, to raise their son on her own. The play utilises multi-roling aside from the two leads. It is a tragedy, with themes of marital issues and grief. It is the first part of a trilogy exploring the stages of grief, this in particular studies depression and anger, but by the end potential hope and acceptance.
Date Night
Back by popular demand, our comedy from 2024 is getting a refresh! Jenna feels trapped, James feels lost, Sonny needs a break and Sheila just wants to be loved. When all these worlds collide, mayhem ensues. These four people were never meant to meet, but fate brought them all together. Date Night is all about love, betrayal, joy, meatballs, but most of all… the need to just communicate!
Love & Revolt
Two stories. Two lovers. Two revolutions. From the shadows of Nazi Germany to the heart of Ireland’s fight for freedom, Beneath the Ashes and Before Dawn explore the resilience of love in the face of tyranny, and the courage it takes to stand against the tide.
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Wirral Theatre Festival - Family Shows
2025-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Merseyside
Wirral Theatre Festival aims to showcase local stories and nurture professional talent either entering or re-emerging into the industry.
The Festival takes place at the Williamson on Friday 15th August, and then at the Floral Pavilion on Saturday 16th.
Saturday afternoon is all about family-friendly shows.
1pm: Trapped in Williamson Art Gallery
A group of friends think it’ll be a great idea to hide in the gallery and sleepover. After dodging security and the building being locked down the friends begin to explore. Darkness soon gets the better of them, and they decide to tell some tales to keep themselves from being scared. Will they survive the night, and more importantly, will they set off all the alarms?
Come and help the friends tell their stories and delve into the magical worlds that they create amongst them!
2pm – Spooky Tales
Four friends meet every Friday to share the scariest tales they’ve found that week at the ‘Friday Night Fright Club’. Who will get scared the most, and who has the best story to tell? Featuring local legends and magical myths, this show is family-friendly, but not for the faint-hearted!
This show includes the winning entry from the Wirral Theatre Festival Writing Competition in 2024.

One ticket gets you access to both shows! £8 children, £12 adults, or group booking rates available.
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Broken Grey Wires: Who Wants Flowers When They Are Dead?
2025-07-25 10:00 - 2025-09-13 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
WHO WANTS FLOWERS WHEN THEY ARE DEAD? is a new exhibition by Broken Grey Wires, exploring grief, loss, identity and community.
‘My dad died five years ago, which was a huge shock that I am still suffering with now. Grief is something that I am confused and frustrated by, it is a soul destroying emotion. The drawing on the poster is of my dad, I drew this when I was about 7 years old.’ (Lizz Brady)
The exhibition will offer a space to reflect, connect, and begin processing experiences of loss. It invites audiences to think openly, share their stories, and engage in honest conversations about grief and healing.
As part of the exhibition, a newly designed Comfort Zone space will be introduced in the gallery, along with fresh toolkits to support exploration and dialogue.
Confirmed artists:
Marcelina Amelia
Jacqui Barrowcliffe
Lizz Brady
Candy Chang
Antony Connelly
Harri Harrison
Chris Jones
Jasleen Kaur
Gurinder Kumar
Jess Loveday
Mercedes Lucy
Ana Mendieta
Zayd Menk
Amy Mizrahi
Sophie New
Dolly Sen
Emily Simpson
EVENT Preserving Ghosts: A Workshop About Picking & Grief. Saturday 06 September, 1pm
Book Now

About Broken Grey Wires:
At Broken Grey Wires (BGW) their mission is to create ambitious and inclusive projects where artists with mental health challenges and/or neurodivergent individuals are empowered through creative opportunities.
Their unique approach stems from their leadership, which includes individuals with lived experiences of mental health challenges, disability and neurodivergence—ensuring that radical empathy and authenticity drive their work. Over the years, they have curated ground-breaking visual art exhibitions that push the boundaries of communication, depicting the nuanced experiences of mental health in ways that resonate deeply with audiences and participants alike.
By continuously engaging with their audiences, they encourage people to dismantle the stigma around mental illness, allowing individuals to embrace their identities and manage their mental health with confidence, autonomy and encouragement
Part of Independents Biennial 2025
Independents Biennial 2025

Image © Candy Chang, photo by Ahmed Alameri

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.

Artist A & Artist B: The Long Haul
2025-07-09 10:00 - 2025-09-13 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
‘The Long Haul’ is an installation by Jackie Haynes and Heather Mullender-Ross, collectively named Artist A & Artist B. The installation has been commissioned by Wirral Council as part of Liverpool Independent’s Biennial 2025.
The net which hangs in the central space is constructed from a decommissioned cargo parachute and is one of a number of evolving artworks and performances created using this fabric. The audio is a recording of two songs based on traditional sea shanties, arranged and performed by Liverpool Shanty Choir with lyrics by Artist A & Artist B, which will be released as a limited edition 7” single.
‘What Were They Thinking’ is a shanty telling the story of Artist A & Artist B’s artwork. From their purchase of a cargo parachute on Ebay, the song narrates how the parachute became a site responsive artwork; it was cut down and made into blankets to host a public picnic, constructed as table cloths, tent dresses and a tennis court for a Dada-esque performance. In the second shanty, ‘Haul The Old Parachute Along’, Artist A & Artist B use collective protesting through the shanty verse to highlight the often precarious pay and conditions endured by many contemporary artists.
Event: On 13th September there will be a closing event featuring a live performance at the Williamson with Liverpool Shanty Choir, a screening of their film ‘The Surplus Badge’ (2023), and the opportunity to purchase the limited edition single.
Free Tickets to Liverpool Shanty Choir performance
Independents Biennial 2025
Photo credit: Ash Hardman.

Ben Youdan 'Mask'
2025-06-05 10:00 - 2025-09-13 17:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
As part of a series of interventions in our Philip Wilson Steer ‘In Conversation’ exhibition, the Williamson has invited the Liverpool artist, Ben Youdan, to feature a work that contrasts and explores the themes found within Steer’s work.
Youdan’s practice employs a wide variety of techniques and processes including collage, drawing, painting, printmaking and photography, to create imagery that takes inspiration from the iconography and ephemera of popular culture as well as his lived experience. His pieces explore themes such as identity, glamour and sexuality in an unapologetically Queer fashion.

EVENT: On Friday 22nd August at 1pm join Ben Youdan in conversation to find our more about his practice and process. Free, but booking recommended.
Book Now

In Youdan’s own words:
“As an artist, I am interested in exploring the notion that the masks we wear can reveal something intrinsic to our nature. These masks can be physical or psychological. The anonymity of concealing our physical appearance can have a liberating effect, that emboldens the individual to explore their true nature. This inherent contradiction is particularly prevalent within queer sexual subcultures.
Steer’s work is often seen as voyeuristic, whereas mine revels in a more exhibitionist nature, born out of lived experience.
Whilst Steer’s work has a muted, naturalistic colour palette, my work revels in its own artifice. The colours selected are deliberately synthetic, clashing, and even gaudy, but with a self-awareness and exuberance that reflects the unapologetic nature of the subject. In many ways this work is the polar opposite of the muted tones and perceived repression found within some of Steer’s work in this exhibition.
In traditional portraiture, the eyes are typically what the viewer engages with, setting the mood for the piece and revealing a vulnerability in the subject. With ‘Mask’, the eyes are deliberately obscured, presenting my subject in a way that is vulnerable, honest and open in a way that protects them, allowing them to remain indifferent to the judgement they might receive. Where Steer’s subjects are laid bare in a passive, open manner, mine retains their agency and power by presenting an authentic version of themselves and their sexuality – on their terms.
The image of the gas mask can be interpreted in a variety of ways. In this specific intervention it is a device used in sexual role-play in a variety of fetish subcultures which deviate from the mainstream. It often denotes a submissive person who has elected to give themselves over completely to the gratification of a dominant partner. To a mainstream observer, this can often have darker connotations. This piece aims to subvert that presumption. Instead of black shiny rubber, it is presented in pink shiny glitter, challenging preconceived notions of alternative sexual expression.
My complex, handmade, mixed media portraits take inspiration from my lived experience of pop culture, the ephemera of daily life and queer subcultures.”
Part of Independents Biennial 2025

Philip Wilson Steer: In Conversation
Ben Youdan’s website

Watercolour Live
2025-05-31 11:00 - 16:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
To accompany the display of watercolours by JMW Turner, we welcome watercolour artist Janine Pinion to work live in the gallery for a day.
Janine has lived in Wirral for 28 years and takes inspiration from the coastal landscape and sky. She won the Williamson Open Purchase Prize in 2018 and has specialised in watercolour for the past decade.
Her technique is based on natural processes and produces effects of light that echo artists such as Turner. She challenges perceptions that watercolour is a difficult, secondary choice of medium and invites you to witness its magic.
Drop in anytime to watch Janine work and ask questions about her practice.

Live music from Orange Zebra
2025-05-30 14:00 - 20:00 | Merseyside
Orange Zebra are a six-piece band playing a mix of jazz, blues and rock.
They’ll be playing music all afternoon on Friday 30th May, from 2pm-8pm, in the Williamson Foyer. This isn’t a formal concert, just drop-in whenever you want and stay for as much long as you like.
The performance is free, but charity donations are warmly welcomed.
The Williamson Cafe will be open throughout serving hot and cold drinks, light bites and snacks.

Film Screening 'The Nettle Dress'
2025-05-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
Book Tickets
Landlines Studio present a screening of the film ‘The Nettle Dress’, as part of the programme of events for their current retrospective “Un/Earthed”.
Textile artist Allan Brown spends seven years making a dress by hand, using only the fibre of locally foraged stinging nettles. This is ‘hedgerow couture’, the greenest of slow fashion and also his medicine. It’s how he survives the death of his wife Alex and how he finds a beautiful way to honour her.
Director Dylan Howitt says: ‘This is a story about the deep value of creativity and imagination, and a slow, mindful craft that is more in tune with the natural world.’
Produced, directed, filmed and edited by Dylan Howitt
Foraged, spun, woven and sewn by Allan Brown
“Exquisite, beautiful and inspiring” – Sir Mark Rylance
This event is part of the programme for Un/Earthed – A Retrospective by Landlines Studio, which runs 12th February – 28th June.
Exhibition Information

Yoga & Sound: A Wellness Experience by Milap
2025-05-07 12:30 - 2025-05-21 13:50 | Merseyside
Join holistic wellbeing practitioner Siân Griffin for a guided session combining yoga, meditation, and a deeply restorative sound bath.
Each class begins with pranayama—gentle breathwork to centre the mind and ground the body—followed by a movement practice tailored to the needs of the group. Whether a dynamic vinyasa flow or a slower hatha-style session, postures are adapted for all abilities, ensuring everyone feels supported and included.
The final part of the session includes more breathwork and a 20-minute sound bath using crystal singing bowls, yoga nidra and guided meditation to bring about a state of deep calm and inner stillness.
Siân is the founder of Thalassa Therapies and a certified yoga teacher with over a decade of experience in psychotherapy, trauma-informed practice, breathwork, and therapeutic sound healing. Her work supports individuals, groups, and organisations to build self-awareness and create space for personal transformation.
Expect a calm, welcoming environment to relax, reconnect, and reset.

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About MILAP

Live music from Northwestern
2025-04-26 13:00 - 15:00 | Merseyside
Northwestern is a clear statement of intent from two fine musicians and songwriters, who we are delighted to welcome back to the Williamson after their last fantastic performance.
Chris Howarth is a singer songwriter based in Cheshire. After an early history in local bands Chris came back to music after a long career in business and re-launched himself with a bang, recording 6 studio albums in nearly as many years. Chris has enjoyed a productive few years, playing his original songs at venues and local festivals, mainly in the Northwest, most recently at locations like Venue Cymru in Llandudno. Although Chris has been mainly a solo performer, more recently he has been supported by musical friends at many of his performances but his recent creative collaborations with Adrian Hough have been a genuine highlight of the last few months and he can’t wait to bring some of their joint efforts out into the world!
​Adrian Hough is a bottleneck guitarist from Cheshire who has been playing in bands since he was fourteen. Early influences from Paul Kossoff, Duane Allman and Ry Cooder shaped his style, focussing upon emotive playing and an emphasis upon space and hitting the note.

Praise for Northwestern
“acoustic slide specialist…as stunning as it is varied.”-Guitarist Magazine.
“sublime slide work.”-Guardian.
“…tasty slide-work…mighty fine.”[-Bluesmatters magazine].
Find Northwestern on Facebook
northwesternmusic.com

The Betty Smithers Collection: Exhibition Tour & Talk
2025-04-02 10:30 - 15:30 | Merseyside
Senior Lecturer and Fashion Researcher, Angela Devoti, University of Staffordshire shall be delivering guided live tours and lectures about the Betty Smithers Exhibition on Wednesday 2nd April at the Williamson Art Gallery.

The guided tour and lecture will also include further specially selected handling objects from the Betty Smithers collection which relate to each of the decades the garments are associated with. This is a unique opportunity to encounter and connect with many different Fashion movements and revealing narratives.

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Talk and Q&A with Landlines Studio
2025-03-28 18:00 - 20:00 | Williamson Art Gallery, Slatey Rd, Oxton, Birkenhead, Merseyside, CH43 4UE, United Kingdom
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Join Angela and Nicky of Landlines Studio for a talk and Q&A about their current exhibition Un/Earthed.
Discover more about their creative process, inspirations, and the themes that shape their work.
This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artists, gain insights into their practice, and ask questions in an informal and welcoming setting.
Exhibition Information

Curator Tours: Richards and Steer
2025-03-26 11:00 - 2026-01-09 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.

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Dates & Times:
Friday 22nd August, 6pm
Wednesday 17th September, 11am
Friday 24th October, 6pm
Wednesday 12th November, 11am
Friday 9th January, 6pm
