Williamson Art Gallery

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

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

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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Frances Carlile: Passage
2026-03-09 10:00 - 2026-07-04 17:00
Passage is an installation of beautiful and delicate vessel and house structures by environmental artist Frances Carlile. Together they evoke the many types of journeys taken by individuals during their lifetime, and symbolise the transient passage between life and death.
Each one has been handcrafted using organic material collected during the artist’s own journeys through the landscape, including along the coastline of North Wales and Wirral.

Events:
Saturday 11th April, 12-3pm – Drop-in ‘paper bag boat’ workshop. Free, no booking required
Information

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.

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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

Life Drawing
2026-03-13 18:30 - 20:30
Liverpool Life Drawing will be returning for the next of their Friday night Life Drawing sessions at the Williamson.
Open 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.
£10 cash or card payment on the night. No booking required.
Sessions will be on the second Friday of every month on an ongoing basis.
About Liverpool Life Drawing

Books and Banter
2026-03-13 18:30 - 20:30
Love books? Love talking about books? Love Books & Banter!
Books 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.
The theme for March is Madness, Magic & Myth
Free to all – no need to book, just come along!

Take a look at the list from February’s session

The Williamson Café will be open and serving refreshments, including alcohol.

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

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.

Peter Rainsford Presents
2026-03-27 11:00 - 12:30
A Miscellany of Music and Creativity, Coffee Concert.
Peter is founder and director of Tafelmusik music school in Oxton. Each month he brings a varied repertoire of music and performers to the Williamson.
Along side Peter and singer/songwriter Paula, this month’s special guest is local
Wirral-based contemporary spoken word poet and author Mal Bibby

Mal is a regular visitor to our coffee concerts. He has published two books of thought-provoking observations of life, society and progress.
He has made regular appearances across the Northwest, including: Clitheroe Castle, Liverpool Everyman and Shakespeare North Theatre.
This concert will also include piano solos from Peter and a selection of songs from Paula.

Tafelmusik website
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