Event type: Exhibition

Three artists responding to the forms, textures and rhythms of place through paint, print and glass.Time and Tide brings together the work of painter Richard Monks, glass artist Helen Smith, and printmaker Estella Scholes, three artists whose practices are shaped by their relationship with landscape. Their work looks beyond literal representation, finding inspiration in the changing surfaces, colours, fragments and traces encountered in the places we move through — from shoreline and fellside to old stone, weathered buildings and the remnants of industry.

Richard Monks builds, scrapes and sands layers of paint, drawing on memories gathered from landscapes around the Lake District, Liverpool and the Llŷn Peninsula. Helen Smith builds layers of glass before firing and sandblasting its surface, creating works that suggest the shifting light, colour and weathering of the coast. Estella Scholes combines collagraph printing and collage, bringing together the textures and marks of stone, plaster, metal and wood. Across the three practices, there is a shared sense of time passing — of surfaces altered by weather, movement and human presence, and of the quiet traces that remain.Time and Tide runs from Thursday 24th September to Saturday 24th October.Opening Times 11am – 4pm, The gallery will be hosting a preview evening on Thursday 24^th September between 6pm and 8pm and all are welcome to join us for a glass of wine and to meet the artists.

New Faces, New Focus: Stories We Share is a collaborative touring exhibition by Open Eye Gallery, Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, and Aberdeenshire Museums Service. 

Exploring themes of journeys, identity and belonging, the exhibition brings together new creative work, museum collections and archives to celebrate the stories of communities across Liverpool City Region, Armagh and Aberdeenshire. 

Through collaboration with socially engaged artists, community members have reflected on migration, heritage and identity, to play with perceptions of self and others and create new connections through storytelling.

In New Faces, New Focus, Anoosh Ariamehr engaged with people in Knowsley, who share memories of the area through the years and reflect on how it has changed. Visits to Open Eye Gallery’s archive and the collection at Prescot Museum sparked an exploration of life journeys through personal archives – from community work, caring professions and industry, to creative pursuits, travel and moments in time. The project reflects on the life experiences that form our sense of self, and the shifting nature of identity.
Anoosh Ariamehr, Socially Engaged Photographer, Knowsley, said:“This project has been a profound exploration of journeys, archive, absence, and identity. Through tactile processes like collage-making and intentional portraiture, the participants have given physical shape to fragmented memories and personal journeys. Seeing them transition from learning technical skills to co-curating their own stories with such creative ownership highlights the true power of community-led art.

 

“This project reminded me that photographs do not only hold images; they also hold time, silence, memory and the possibility of another story. The archive gave us a place to begin, but the community members carried those images somewhere new. Through their photographs, collages and words, the past entered into conversation with the present. For me, the most powerful part has been watching people discover that their everyday experiences, memories and local places are not small stories; they are part of the history that deserves to be seen and remembered.”
 

Alongside New Faces, New Focus, is the first UK exhibition of Comfort Work by Andrii Dostliev and Lia Dostlieva. Comfort Work sits within Open Eye Gallery’s Archive. It was commissioned for the Ukrainian National Pavilion at the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, curated by Viktoria Bavykina and Max Gorbatskyi, and acquired with the generous support from Art Friends Merseyside. In the video installation, ten actors from the EU and the UK are hired to perform in front of the camera the roles of those types of Ukrainian refugees, which are preferred by various communities in their own countries.
Jack Rennick‑Welsh, Culture Development and Events Officer, Knowsley Council, said: 

 

“The group visited Prescot Museum in April to explore the collection displays. They were particularly inspired by the local archival photographs exhibited as part of the ‘Know Your Knowsley’ digitisation project of the Prescot Museum collection, as funded by Arts Council England’s ‘Unlocking Collections’ fund. This collections-based project includes training local volunteers in the digitising of the museum’s collection of over 15,000 objects, as well as collections care and conservation. This visit sparked new ideas and creative conversations, introducing the group to how archival photographs could work within their own photo stories.”
 

More New Faces, New Focus exhibitions in the Liverpool City Region can be visited at Open Eye Gallery (Liverpool, 17 September – 20 December), The Atkinson (Sefton, 17 September – 27 February), and The World of Glass (St Helens, 17 September – 20 December).

 

New Faces, New Focus is part of Going Places, an Art Fund programme where museums and galleries from all four nations share their collections in the largest collaborative touring project of its kind. Six museum networks spanning the breadth of the country have been co-creating 12 major touring exhibitions, taking the UK’s collections on an epic journey that will result in 40 unique exhibitions made with and for local communities. Going Places is a celebration of UK collections and the people who bring them to life.

Going Places is an Art Fund programme made possible with major support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Julia Rausing Trust, with additional support from a generous group of trusts, foundations and individuals.

Kirkby Gallery is part of Knowsley Council and presents a broad and ambitious exhibition programme, drawing upon collections from the Arts Council Collection, Hayward Touring, National Trust and multiple regional partners and galleries.

A five-week installation and public programme at the historic Cunard Building, bringing together eight years of work by artist Mark Storor made in collaboration with communities and individuals with lived and living experience of suicide across England, Ireland and Wales. Part of The Suicide Chronicles.

Over five weeks, The Suicide Chronicles will be in residence at the Cunard Building, bringing together films, photographs, sculptures, poetry and music that have emerged from this long-term shared creative process.

We invite you into an evolving space of contemplation, reflection and quiet assembly. A beautiful artistic space for what is often difficult to express, acknowledging and honouring the experiences of those we have lost.

The works reflect a wide range of experiences, including women bereaved by the suicide of their partners, farmers exploring their relationship to the land and the impact of suicide within farming communities, intergenerational perspectives, and the experiences of first responders.

Close to Home invites audiences to spend time with these works, to bear witness to each person’s story, and to reflect on lives, experiences and moments shaped by both individual circumstances and the times in which they were lived.

In a world that demands constant action and reaction, Close to Home asks what it means to contemplate, to give ourselves over to time, to listen, and to make sense together.

This installation is free to attend. No ticket required.

Find out more about the accompanying free programme of performances and conversations with invited guests below.

What to Expect

The Cunard Arrivals Hall will be transformed into a beautiful theatrical environment that you can explore at your own pace. Moving through the space, you will encounter a series of installations, film works, spoken word pieces and photographic displays, each offering a different perspective and experience.

The space has been thoughtfully designed with accessibility, comfort and pacing in mind. On arrival you will be welcomed in by a member of the team, alongside this we will have team members available throughout the space.You are welcome to spend as much or as little time as you wish with each work. Seating and quieter areas are available, and you are welcome to pause, rest, or step out of the space at any time before continuing your visit.

Whether you choose to stay for a short visit or immerse yourself in the full experience, Close to Home invites you to engage in a way that feels right for you.

Dates and Times

Saturday 5th September – 10 October 2026

• Tue-Wed and Fri: 11am to 5pm

• Thu: closed (except for scheduled events and pre booked visits)

• Sat: 12 noon to 6pm

• Sun and Mon: closed

In addition to these regular hours, we will host early-morning and late-night openings at various points throughout the installation period to allow increased flexibility.

These are:Thursday 17 September: 9pm – 11pmThursday 24 September: 8am – 11pmTuesday 29 September: Extended opening to 8pmWednesday 7 October: Extended opening to 8pmIf you are interested in visiting Close To Home outside of any advertised opening hours, please get in touch, and we will try our best to accommodate your request.

Public Programme

The Close to Home public programme presents some of the wisdom that we have accrued and the knowledge that has grown during the years long process of making The Suicide Chronicles with many collaborators. It reflects the moments of sudden, profound knowing that could still us, and moments of revelation guiding us along a path we could not always see. Our learning continues.It’s Not Home ’Til You Hold Me

Two performances bringing together the music, song and poetry of The Suicide Chronicles on the stage of Liverpool Philharmonic’s Music Room.

• Thursday 10 September, 6pm and 8pm, led by Jules Maxwell and an ensemble of performers.

Both the 6pm and 8pm performances are fully booked. Please email emma.fry@heartofglass.org.uk if you would like to be added to the waiting list.

Close to Home Gatherings

A series of intimate sharings and conversations held within the Close to Home space at the Cunard Building.

• In Conversation: Tom Overton – 17 September – 6.30pm – 8.30pm

• Facing Down the Furies: Professor Edith Hall – 24 September – 6.30pm – 8.30pm

• We Continue to Reflect With Rage and Exhaustion: Professor Amy Chandler – 1 October – 6.30pm – 8.30pm

• For The Record: Speaking For Ourselves – 8 October – 2pm – 9pm

• To Lay to Rest That Which Needed to Rest and Allow Yourself to Let Them Rest a closing ceremony – 10 October – 4.00pm

All events are free entry.

Booking is required for the gatherings on 17th September, 24th September and 1st October. For further enquiries and to reserve a place, please contact emma.fry@heartofglass.org.uk

The gatherings on 8th and 10th October are drop-in and therefore booking is not required.

Content Advisory

Close to Home explores lived and living experiences of suicide and bereavement. It does not depict suicide, but it does engage with themes that some people may find emotionally challenging. Recommended for adults. Young people under 18 are welcome when accompanied by a parent, carer or responsible adult. We encourage accompanying adults to consider whether the exhibition is appropriate for the young person in their care.

You’re welcome to engage in whatever way feels right for you, and support information will be available throughout your visit.

Access Information

The Cunard Building, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1AH

EntranceThe exhibition entrance is via the Strand Street entrance (city side). Step-free wheelchair access is available via the Brunswick Street entrance. The exhibition space is all on one level and fully wheelchair accessible.

Getting here

• Train: Three-minute walk from James Street Station or 15-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station.

• Bus: Less than 10 minutes’ walk from Liverpool ONE Bus Station.

Parking and drop-off

• Drop-offs can be made outside the Brunswick Street entrance.

• Blue Badge parking is available on Brunswick Street and Water Street (subject to availability).

• Nearby public parking: Q-Park Liverpool ONE and Capital Car Park.

Accessibility

We want Close to Home to be as welcoming, accessible and supportive as possible for everyone.

The exhibition is all on one level and is fully wheelchair accessible. Step-free access is available via the Brunswick Street entrance, and accessible toilets are available within the building. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Visitors will find:

• Seating and quieter areas throughout the exhibition.
• – A quiet space if you need time away from the work.
• – Hosts available throughout your visit.
• – British Sign Language (BSL) versions of introductory information.
• – Easy Read interpretation and an exhibition orientation map.
• – Large print versions of interpretation available.
• – Descriptive subtitles on all film works and transcripts for audio-only works.
• – Information about support services available to take away.

If there’s anything that would make your visit more comfortable, please contact us in advance and we’ll do our best to help. You can contact our team on 07421 455596.

You might want to check our visual story to help in planning your visit. Please click the link here to access – Visual Story.

Full access information can be found here – Full Accessibility notes.

Need support?

If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available.

Urgent help

• Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent mental health support.

• In an emergency, or if someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Find support

• Kind to Your Mind Liverpool – Local wellbeing, mental health and suicide prevention support.

• Hub of Hope – Find local and national mental health support services.

• Samaritans – Call 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day) for someone to talk to.

• SOBS – Support for adults bereaved by suicide.

• Alfie’s Squad – Support for children and young people bereaved by suicide or sudden loss.

Credits

Led by Heart of Glass and artist Mark Storor, in partnership with Culture Liverpool and Public Health Liverpool. Supported by Arts Council England, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

With thanks to FPC and Brabners for sponsorship support and to the Community Foundations for Lancashire & Merseyside and Mark McQueen Memorial Fund for additional support.

Image Credit: Chronicle Six of The Suicide Chronicles. Heart of Glass and Mark Storor, 2026. Photographer Stephen King

 

This touring exhibition by Becky Beasley transforms the gallery with a large green linoleum artwork covers the gallery floor, and features hand-cut lake silhouettes, with adjustable ‘conversation’ or ‘kissing’ benches providing a place to sit and rest. Pastel pink curtain sculptures hang in the shape of the letters, H, S and P – an acronym for Highly Sensitive Person.

Echoing Beasley’s fascination with interiors, small ceramic works sit discreetly on a series of ‘lake’ tables, mirroring the floor designs, and groups of existing and new photographic works occupy elongated oak shelves.

The exhibition includes a four-part video portrait of an imaginary figure – a merging of American novelist and short story writer, Bernard Malamud, and the artist’s father.

The work explores milestones in life through its four discreet chapters: work, family, chosen family and dying. The film is narrated by British actor, Russell Tovey.

Free entry