BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Williamson Art Gallery - ECPv6.18.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Williamson Art Gallery REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20230101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240920T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240920T203000 DTSTAMP:20240912T103641Z CREATED:20240909T121923Z LAST-MODIFIED:20240912T103641Z UID:10000220-1726857000-1726864200@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Live Music by Katie Nicholas DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/live-music-by-katie-nicholas/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/katie-nicholas-new.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241018T183000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241018T203000 DTSTAMP:20241016T081735Z CREATED:20241007T112948Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241016T081735Z UID:10000225-1729276200-1729283400@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Live Music: Helen Delamere DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/live-music-helen-downey/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Helen-Downey.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241023T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241102T170000 DTSTAMP:20241023T083914Z CREATED:20241023T083648Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T083914Z UID:10000226-1729677600-1730566800@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Reclaiming the Narratives DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/reclaiming-the-narratives/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Afrograph-intervention-fireplace.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241109T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241109T160000 DTSTAMP:20241101T145040Z CREATED:20241101T145040Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241101T145040Z UID:10000231-1731146400-1731168000@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Drop-in Life Drawing Day DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/drop-in-life-drawing-day/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/lifedrawing-session-square-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241116T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241117T160000 DTSTAMP:20241023T150416Z CREATED:20241023T150416Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241023T150416Z UID:10000227-1731751200-1731859200@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Oxton Art Fair DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/oxton-art-fair/ CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Oxton-Art-Fair-24.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241130T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241130T160000 DTSTAMP:20241029T111014Z CREATED:20241028T092335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241029T111014Z UID:10000228-1732975200-1732982400@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:The Annie Long Jazz Trio DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/the-annie-long-jazz-trio/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/annie-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241211T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241221T170000 DTSTAMP:20241213T135546Z CREATED:20241119T105513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241213T135546Z UID:10000233-1733911200-1734800400@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Beauty In The Broken DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/beauty-in-the-broken/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Kintsuge-Lead-Image.png ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250212T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260117T170000 DTSTAMP:20251205T152913Z CREATED:20241212T144534Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T152913Z UID:10000235-1739354400-1768669200@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Philip Wilson Steer: In Conversation DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/philip-wilson-steer-in-conversation/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Steer-Self-Portrait.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250212T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260131T170000 DTSTAMP:20251205T152532Z CREATED:20241212T144539Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T152532Z UID:10000234-1739354400-1769878800@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Albert Richards DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/albert-richards/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Albert-Richards-France-Beach-Head.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250212T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250628T170000 DTSTAMP:20250522T095558Z CREATED:20241213T132759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250522T095558Z UID:10000241-1739354400-1751130000@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Un/Earthed - A Retrospective by Landlines Studio DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/un-earthed-a-retrospective-by-landlines-studio/ CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,slide 1 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/square.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250214T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260110T170000 DTSTAMP:20251205T161709Z CREATED:20241213T155156Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T161709Z UID:10000238-1739527200-1768064400@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Subterranean Elevator DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/subterranean-elevator/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,Slide 3 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Logo-textured-on-texture-square-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250221T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251018T170000 DTSTAMP:20250918T093003Z CREATED:20241213T101147Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T093003Z UID:10000240-1740132000-1760806800@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Elizabeth Smolen: Trailblazer DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/elizabeth-smolen-trailblazer/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,Slide 4 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/smolen2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250305T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250329T170000 DTSTAMP:20250219T141259Z CREATED:20250218T113723Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250219T141259Z UID:10000248-1741168800-1743267600@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:DDFI40: Painting in Light DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/ddfi40-painting-in-light/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/DaDaFest40-Masterlogo-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250308T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250308T160000 DTSTAMP:20250225T141039Z CREATED:20250225T141039Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T141039Z UID:10000252-1741442400-1741449600@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Live Music with Annie Long DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/live-music-with-annie-long/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/annie-long01.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250313T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250402T170000 DTSTAMP:20250328T150827Z CREATED:20250310T105207Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T150827Z UID:10000254-1741860000-1743613200@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Roots of Fashion - the Betty Smithers Design Collection DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/roots-of-fashion-the-betty-smithers-design-collection/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/BS-2-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250321T190000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250321T200000 DTSTAMP:20250314T153217Z CREATED:20250314T153217Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250314T153217Z UID:10000258-1742583600-1742587200@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Music by Creative Community Choir and Bebington Bittermen DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/music-by-creative-community-choir-and-bebington-bittermen/ CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Creative-Community-Choir-Bebington-Bittermen-image.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250326T110000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260109T170000 DTSTAMP:20251205T152249Z CREATED:20250226T113806Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251205T152249Z UID:10000253-1742986800-1767978000@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Curator Tours: Richards and Steer DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/curator-tours-richards-and-steer/ CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/PXL_20250213_100030925.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250328T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250328T200000 DTSTAMP:20250225T105456Z CREATED:20250225T105456Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T105456Z UID:10000251-1743184800-1743192000@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Talk and Q&A with Landlines Studio DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/talk-and-qa-with-landlines-studio/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Landlines-talk-lead-image.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250402T103000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250402T153000 DTSTAMP:20250324T114806Z CREATED:20250324T101125Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250324T114806Z UID:10000259-1743589800-1743607800@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:The Betty Smithers Collection: Exhibition Tour & Talk DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/the-betty-smithers-collection-exhibition-tour-talk/ CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/AD-BW-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250426T130000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250426T150000 DTSTAMP:20250416T082031Z CREATED:20250416T082031Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T082031Z UID:10000304-1745672400-1745679600@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Live music from Northwestern DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/live-music-from-northwestern/ CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Northwestern.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250507T123000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250521T135000 DTSTAMP:20250422T120342Z CREATED:20250411T102017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T120342Z UID:10000303-1746621000-1747835400@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Yoga & Sound: A Wellness Experience by Milap DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/yoga-sound-a-wellness-experience-by-milap/ CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Yoga-image-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250523T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250523T200000 DTSTAMP:20250409T141037Z CREATED:20250225T104616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250409T141037Z UID:10000250-1748023200-1748030400@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Film Screening 'The Nettle Dress' DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/film-screening-the-nettle-dress/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/NETTLE-DRESS-STARS-GRAPHIC-1.png ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250530T140000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250530T200000 DTSTAMP:20250519T133648Z CREATED:20250519T133648Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250519T133648Z UID:10000307-1748613600-1748635200@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Live music from Orange Zebra DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/live-music-from-orange-zebra/ CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/orange-zebra.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250531T110000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250531T160000 DTSTAMP:20250528T153202Z CREATED:20250528T153202Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T153202Z UID:10000309-1748689200-1748707200@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Watercolour Live DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/watercolour-live/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Janine-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250605T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250913T170000 DTSTAMP:20250722T111217Z CREATED:20250529T102302Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250722T111217Z UID:10000310-1749117600-1757782800@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Ben Youdan 'Mask' DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/ben-youdan-mask/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Ben-Youdan-MASK-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250709T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250913T170000 DTSTAMP:20250730T153415Z CREATED:20250602T094033Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T153415Z UID:10000311-1752055200-1757782800@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Artist A & Artist B: The Long Haul DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/artist-a-artist-b-the-long-haul/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/cropped-net-with-shanty-text-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250716T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251101T170000 DTSTAMP:20250918T100406Z CREATED:20250619T083908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T100406Z UID:10000316-1752660000-1762016400@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:I'll Tell You Later: BSL Happy Snappers and Emma Case DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/ill-tell-you-later/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions,Slide 2 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/IllTellYouLaterTile-e1750322285658.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250725T100000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250913T170000 DTSTAMP:20250818T102119Z CREATED:20250602T094750Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250818T102119Z UID:10000313-1753437600-1757782800@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Broken Grey Wires: Who Wants Flowers When They Are Dead? DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/broken-grey-wires/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Exhibitions ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Before-I-die-by-Candy-Chang-scaled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Williamson Art Gallery":MAILTO:arts@williamsonartgallery.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250815T130000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250815T150000 DTSTAMP:20250609T102929Z CREATED:20250609T102929Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250609T102929Z UID:10000314-1755262800-1755270000@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Wirral Theatre Festival - Family Shows DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/wirral-theatre-festival-family-shows/ CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Williamson-Daytime.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250815T180000 DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250815T213000 DTSTAMP:20250610T110441Z CREATED:20250609T103622Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250610T110441Z UID:10000315-1755280800-1755293400@williamsonartgallery.org SUMMARY:Wirral Theatre Festival - Evening Shows DESCRIPTION:“This free exhibition will be Paul’s gift to his hometown” A 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.     \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Book Your Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The 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. Birkenhead 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.   Early Years Paul 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.   Crossover into mainstream Set 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. As 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.  Lily’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. He 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. Despite 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.   The Archive: Craft\, Costume\, and Character For 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: Iconic Wardrobe: Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era of British drag.Media: Rare footage\, scripts\, photography\, and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working-class life and entertainment.Private World: An intimate look at Paul’s personal eclectic collection of objects\, figurines\, and puppets\, revealing the influences that shaped his creative psyche.  A Living Heritage Thanks 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. good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people\, places and communities. With thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England URL:https://williamsonartgallery.org/event/wirral-theatre-festival-evening-shows/ LOCATION:Williamson Art Gallery\, Slatey Rd\, Oxton\, Birkenhead\, Merseyside\, CH43 4UE\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Events ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://williamsonartgallery.org/wp-content/uploads/Williamson-Evening.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR