W L ART
WILLIAMSON ART GALLERY: BIRKENHEAD ' S CULTURAL TREASURE
It’ s been an exciting start to the year at Birkenhead’ s Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, who have opened multiple new exhibitions for the start of 2026. Gems of the Williamson’ s collections are brought out onto display, whilst other galleries celebrate the creativity of local artists.
Two exhibitions use works from the Williamson’ s own collections to explore the connections between Merseyside artists, and major national and international art movements.‘ Beyond The Brotherhood’ explores the influence that the infamous Pre- Raphaelite Brotherhood had on Merseyside’ s artists in the late 19th century.
‘ Echoes of the Floating World’, meanwhile, includes a wonderful selection of the Williamson’ s collection of Japanese prints. When the traditional art form of ukiyo-e came to the attention of European artists in the late 19th century, the impact they had on Western art was seismic. Artists such as Vincent Van Gogh and Monet were inspired by the style and perspectives of these prints, which had not previously been seen in Western art. This influence reached Merseyside too, and‘ Echoes of the Floating World’ displays Japanese artworks alongside pieces by local artists, showing how many have been inspired by the viewpoints and subjects of these works.
Both of these exhibitions give visitors the chance to see works from the Williamson’ s own collections which are rarely on display. Many of the artworks included in‘ Echoes of the Floating World’ are too delicate to be regularly displayed, and Evelyn de Morgan’ s‘ Medea’, a centrepiece of Beyond The Brotherhood, is often requested for exhibitions in galleries internationally.
Alongside celebrating Wirral’ s own art collection, other new exhibitions platform the talents of local artists. Steve des Landes, represented by David Messum Fine Art, has been Artist in Residence at the Williamson since the beginning of 2025, with a studio in the centre of the building.‘ Loyalty’ is a solo exhibition which shows some of the work he’ s produced in this time alongside
works from his other recent practice. Des Landes’ paintings are figurative and deeply layered with meaning. The emotional lives of his characters evolves across his paintings, as each element of the work gives the viewer a deeper understanding of their inner states. Finally,‘ The Portrait Paradox’ by Adrian Jeans brings his figurative sculpture into dialogue with portraits from the Williamson’ s collections. Together they make us consider how portraits don’ t just depict specific people, but can also speak to wider social issues. We regularly host events and talks to help you get to know our exhibitions and collections better. Upcoming highlights include:
• Friday 17th April, 6pm: A Talk on Evelyn De Morgan’ s‘ Medea’. Free, booking essential
• Saturday 25th April, 2pm: In Conversation with Adrian Jeans: The Portrait Paradox. Free, booking essential
All of these exhibitions sit alongside the Williamson’ s much-loved permanent galleries. Highlights include the Della Robbia room, revealing the brief but fascinating history of Birkenhead’ s very own Arts & Crafts pottery studio, and the ever-popular Maritime gallery.
But the Williamson offers more than just exhibitions: we’ re also a hub for community and creativity. This is certainly true on a Friday night, when the gallery stays open until 9pm and becomes a space for live music, art classes, book groups and more! The Café stays open serving drinks and cakes, and it’ s a great time to visit all our exhibitions if you have a busy schedule during the week. Meanwhile, you can start your week with a visit on Community Monday, when the galleries host a range of community-led groups and workshops that bring people together.
The Williamson is open 10-5 Monday-Thursday and Saturday, and 10am-9pm Fridays.
Visit williamsonartgallery. org for full information on more exhibitions and events, including our Friday Night listings.
14 wirrallife. com