Event type: Exhibition

Turner: Always Contemporary

Tickets for the Walker Art Gallery’s major exhibition exploring the work of JMW Turner and his enduring impact on later generations are on sale – exactly 250 years since the artist’s birth on 23 April 1775.

Turner: Always Contemporary (25 October 2025 – 22 February 2026) will include National Museums Liverpool’s collection of Turner’s oil paintings, works on paper and prints, alongside modern and contemporary artworks that delve into themes of travel, landscape and artistic experimentation.

A number of important and influential artworks from major galleries across the UK will feature in the exhibition, ranging from work by Maggi Hambling and Jeff Koons through to paintings by Annie Swynnerton and George Frederick Watts. Prints by British artist Emma Stibbon, recently acquired by National Museums Liverpool, will also be displayed for the first time.

The exhibition will offer a new perspective on Turner and his legacy, highlighting how he grappled with issues that remain relevant today: climate change; immigration; tourism; and the role of the artist. Alongside Turner’s works, visitors will encounter pieces by Claude Monet, Bridget Riley, Ethel Walker and many more, bringing together 250 years of art to examine Turner’s timeless appeal.

Dr Melissa Gustin, Curator of British Art at National Museums Liverpool, said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to reconsider National Museums Liverpool’s collection of works by Turner. This exhibition will showcase the treasures in our collection and explore how Turner’s work has always been challenging, exciting and contemporary for audiences in Britain and around the world.”

Turner captured the power and changeability of the sea in a remarkable way, and it is perhaps for his immediately recognisable seascapes that he is most renowned. The exhibition charts his changing painting practice, moving from calm coasts in watercolour to raging storms in oil, impacting generations of artists in the process.

For Turner, painting was not just about capturing a picturesque view. He, and the artists inspired or shaped by him, used the world around them to explore the pressing issues of their day, and to push the boundaries of what art could be.

Turner: Always Contemporary will show how his paintings and drawings raise questions about the role of commerce, colonialism and industry that are as relevant today as they were when they were first imagined by the artist. The way people of Turner’s generation engaged with and shaped the lands, rivers and seas still impact us today and can be traced through art.

The exhibition is supported by Lead Partner Quilter Cheviot. Nigel Hibbert, Head of Office at Quilter Cheviot Liverpool, said: “Liverpool is a city rich in culture and heritage and is not just an important centre for culture in the northwest of England, but also the United Kingdom more broadly. As a business, Quilter Cheviot has a long history of working closely to support organisations in the arts and cultural sector.

“We were delighted when the opportunity to become Lead Partner of the Turner: Always Contemporary exhibition presented itself to mark Turner’s 250th anniversary, plus all he has influenced through to modern day. A great alignment with Quilter Cheviot’s heritage and values.”

To purchase tickets, visit: liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/turner

ParisToxteth Exhibition by Lawrie Vaus...

Paris Toxteth presents

An Exhibition of work by Liverpool based Artist and Animator, Lawrie Vause will be opening at The Egg Cafe from Monday 05.05.2025.

Showcasing Lawrie’s art in the form of paintings, hand printed posters and sculpted pieces.

On Thursday 8th May, a live screening of the artist’s films will be supported with live music accompaniment, presented at 7pm and 8pm.

Free at The Egg Cafe, top floor, 16-18 Newington, L1 4ED, just off Bold Street.
The exhibition runs through to 16.06.2025.

Echoes of Brazil Exhibition

Echoes of Brazil exhibition by Anne Wiziack.

This inspiring exhibition is a celebration of Brazil’s rich cultural and natural heritage, presenting a beautiful collection of works that explore themes of sustainability, diversity and the importance of indigenous communities.

More than an exhibition, Echoes of Brazil has been designed as an immersive experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to scan QR codes to listen to the Brazilian music that inspired Anne’s creative process, offering a deeper connection with the artwork.

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In a significant gesture of support, a portion of the profits from the exhibition will be donated to Bolsa Oro @bolsaoro ,which promotes sustainability through a reverse logistics system to transform plastic waste into valuable materials and generate economic opportunities in local regions in Brazil. And to the Instituto Socioambiental @socioambiental, an organisation dedicated to defending the environment, the rights of indigenous peoples, quilombolas, ribeirinhos and traditional communities in Brazil.

So the darkness shall be the light, an...

Wild landscapes filled with atmospheric light evoke changing seasons, and loose brush marks can make the viewer believe they can feel the spray of a waterfall on their face. This series of paintings by Helène Dougherty are windows of escapism – to places unlike where the artist lives. Views of the ocean and the towering waterfalls, which fascinate Helène, capture the energy of water as it moves.

These, along with the forests and skies are inspired by places in Wales, remembered and referenced from photographs, and then painted in her studio in St Helens.

The title of the exhibition, taken from TS Eliot’s poem ‘East Coker’ refers to Helène’s use of light and movement and this collection of work is part of the artist’s drive to paint more loosely and less figuratively. In order to develop as a painter she is fighting against a tendency to use tighter brush marks to paint realistically – this theme of change is also referenced in that poem:

“In order to arrive at what you are not
You must go through the way in which you are not.”

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These softer, looser connections between the parts of the picture make the most of the qualities of paint and give the audience space to react emotionally to the work – placing themselves in these landscapes and allowing their memory to dance in the light.

Amartey Golding

Amartey Golding’s solo exhibition marks the conclusion of FACT’s multi-year Resolution project, which explores how art can affect public attitudes and influence decision-making in the justice system.

Known for his emotionally impactful work, Golding collaborates with imprisoned men at HMP Altcourse (Liverpool, UK) to create a large-scale chainmail sculpture weighing over 200 kilograms. Together, the group have crafted an intricate garment that represents their shared stories and explores themes of trauma, identity, and societal behaviours. The exhibition features the resulting chainmail garment alongside a new audio work, inviting visitors to reflect on how art can affect public attitudes and create a space for dialogue and representation.

Feature Image: Amartey Golding, In The Comfort of Embers (2023). Solo Exhibition at Power Plant Toronto Canada, 2023. Courtesy the artist. Photo by Toni Hafkenscheid

Firing Up Bridge Cottage

Firing Up Bridge Cottage presents work by ceramic artists including internationally-renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers, ‘Great Pottery Thrown Down’ finalist and emerging artist Jacob Chan, and comedy legend turned artist Johnny Vegas, alongside others.

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The exhibition connects Bridge Cottage in Port Sunlight to Rodgers’ studio nearby at the historic Fire Engine Station. Many of the artworks have been specially created for the exhibition, drawing on stories from Port Sunlight’s past, as well as the village’s unique architecture and character.

Liverpool Lines

‘Liverpool Lines’ celebrates the timelessness of Liverpool City Region’s architectural landscape; unique in its quality array of architecture throughout the ages.

The artworks displayed in this exhibition will bring forth a collection of memories for the audience, with each piece aiming to display a fresh perspective on the rich history and vibrant communities that define Liverpool. From its iconic waterfront to the hidden corners of the city; The works reflect the diverse stories that have shaped the soul of the city. As Liverpool moves into the future, the care and preservation of its buildings allow its spirit to endure.

Featuring dot-art Artist Members Alexis Butterfield, Nicola McGovern & Richard Farrell

Alexis Butterfield describes his process: “My eye has been drawn to the generous public spaces and buildings that surround us. I record these places as they are today, sometimes cared for, but often not. In all their variety they represent an ambition for our shared space to be a theatre which celebrates the twin impulses of being together and to consciously create places to help us do that better. While walking the city I have increasingly come to regard these places, both grand and more modest, as jewels – taking joy in the social investment they represent. I produce my work by combining traditional drawing techniques using pens, inks, crayons and areas of gold leaf. These are built up over layers of semi-abstract paper cutouts or over monotype prints. The jewel colours that I have used in many of the pieces are blended goldleaf and inks – lending pearlescence and reflectance in changing lights”

Nicola McGovern utilises painting and papercut illustrations as well as delivering community participatory art projects. This papercut collection celebrates the locally loved parts of Liverpool City Region, capturing them at this specific moment in time. McGovern’s landmark and cityscape artworks combine architectural details with bold, flat colour. These multi-layered collages are created using layers of coloured paper shapes meticulously cut by hand and assembled. The three-dimensional surface texture creates depth and highlights the delicate and meticulous process.

Richard Farrell is a self-taught artist who finds inspiration through the popular culture and architectural heritage of Liverpool. Through Farrell’s past life as a surveyor, he is inspired from his past as he revisits locations, bringing a newfound life to each piece. Farrell’s style is a mix of watercolour and ink wash overlaid with fine-lined detail, this allows for Farrell’s artwork to accurately capture these iconic buildings in their well-known form.

The artists in the ‘Liverpool Lines’ exhibition collectively celebrate the city’s architectural heritage, often they are being drawn to the iconic city centre but are equally intrigued by the lesser-known streets. Unique in style, each artist offers perspectives of their Liverpool, evoking a sense of nostalgia and appreciation. As a collection of works, the city’s rich history shines through, remaining visually and emotionally resonant for audiences today and in the future.

Visit: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 – 18:00

The Society of Wood Engravers 87th Ann...

Founded in 1920, the Society of Wood Engravers has long championed the continuing practice of this skilled printmaking technique by holding annual exhibitions to celebrate the vision and versatility of contemporary engravers.

The 87th Annual Exhibition presents over 120 prints selected from an open submission to display a broad diversity of style and subject-matter by both members and non-members from the UK and overseas; all brought together by their commitment to excellence in an exacting medium.

This is the first time in over 25 years that this stunning exhibition has been presented in the Northwest of England, so it is with great pleasure that Kirkby Gallery presents this annual show for the first time.

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Complementing this, in The Entrance Gallery is a show of book art curated by Liverpool Book Art, Printmaking Today and SWE responding to the theme, ‘Letting in the Light’, aimed at encouraging exchange and cross-over of ideas and techniques between book artists and printmakers.

Paint, Palette, Place – Exhibiti...

Landscape and beloved places are interpreted in this painterly collection by three artists from Wirral and North Wales. Featuring work by Karl Hughes, Nesta Eluned and Clare Flinn.

Karl Hughes

Karl is a figurative painter working in an impressionistic style across acrylic, oil, gouache & pastel mediums. Drawing and painting is a lifelong passion for him and he enjoys the mix of problem solving and exploring creative possibilities it gives. Karl’s artistic inspiration is drawn from many sources – most recently capturing scenes from his travels at home and abroad. This exhibition contains a mix of work produced outdoors ‘en plein air’ and in the studio from the West Wirral coastline and his recent travels in Tuscany & Mallorca.

Nesta Eluned

Nesta is a North Wales artist born and living in the hills of Eryri (Snowdonia). Her approach ranges from plein-air sessions to studio work and embraces an extensive range of materials and techniques. The work fuses classical landscape compositions with abstract expression. This comes through dynamic mark making and gestures that come naturally from being immersed in the wild, mystic and uncompromising environment of Eryri and the North Wales coast. Nesta’s work has been described as evocative and vibrant, conveying a deep connection to the landscape it depicts.

Clare Flinn

Clare’s work aims to convey a sense of place to the viewer, through her use of expressive marks, layered paint and, sometimes, water soluble crayons. She is primarily a landscape painter, which fits with her love of the wilder places of the British Isles. This collection reflects that, and her continued fascination with the edges of the land. Her work is evolving in a quest to simplify down to the main elements, with sketchbooks used en plein air being her main starting point in creating work. She enjoys experimenting with paint, pushing its limits and using it in less conventional ways. Clare is a co-founder of The Lake Gallery.

Liverpool Independents Biennial 2025

Independents Biennial 2025 will return to Liverpool City Region with 22 new artistic commissions, 64 artists and new work appearing across Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral and St Helens.

The artist-led festival, which runs concurrently to Liverpool Biennial, is created to showcase the vibrant art and art scene of the city-region.

The Independents Biennial has been showcasing the work of grassroots artists since 1999 and has been known by various names including Tracey, Biennial Fringe and Liverpool Independents. It is managed by Art in Liverpool but programmed at venues and locations across the city-region by artists, artist groups, art studios and artist networks.

In 2025, art will be exhibited at over 120 locations, some of which are traditional art spaces, others which are empty or unused high street or retail units. This year’s venues include Bidston Observatory, Hilbre Island, Dibbinsdale Nature Reserve, Bluecoat, The Atkinson, Huyton Village, The World of Glass, Crown Building Studios, Liverpool ONE, Mersey Ferries, Hamilton Square, Victoria Road in New Brighton and Fort Perch Rock.

The artists who are commissioned as part of Independents Biennial live and work in one of Liverpool city-region’s boroughs.

Those commissioned artists are Claire Beerjeraz, CBS Gallery, Rebecca Chesney, Jon Davies & the Sound Art Network, Alan Dunn, Ellis Eyo Thompson, Amy Flynn, Freddy Franke & Rat Shack, George Grace Gibson & Gee Collins, Ellie Hoskins, Anna Jane Houghton & Abbie Bradshaw, Noel Jones & 24 Hope Street, Brigitte Jurack, Dongni Laing, Georgina Tyson & The Royal Standard, Sufea Mohamad Noor, Daniel O’Dempsey, Tom Stockley & Ruaíri Valentine, The Drawing Paper (Show), Stephanie Trujillo, Jacques Verkade & Callan Waldron Hall, and Les Weston.

Visit their website here.