Event type: Exhibition

Philip Wilson Steer: In Conversation

Born in Birkenhead, Philip Wilson Steer was a pioneer of impressionism in Britain during the late nineteenth century. Studying in Paris in the 1880s, he was exposed to this radical way of painting after seeing works by the likes of Degas and Manet. With his loose approach to painting and depictions of scenes that were seen as indecent for the time, Steer was widely ridiculed on his return to London, but eventually gained acclaim and prestige with the increasing influence of the New English Art Club and his teaching post at the Slade School of Art. Later in his career, Steer was inspired by masters of English landscape painting, such as Constable and Turner, with examples of these works being found in the exhibition.

As well as showcasing the Williamson’s collection of Steer, this exhibition will bring his work into conversation with both his contemporaries and local artists who followed in his footsteps. This will showcase his personal approach to colour and painting, but will also show the limitations of his radicalism, largely through his approach to depicting women.

The Williamson’s collection of works by Steer has long been considered a highlight of our collections, which we are delighted to be able to display a significant number of in this exhibition.

 

EVENTS:

Curator talks on Albert Richards & Philip Wilson Steer – dates throughout 2025

Info & Booking

Albert Richards

March 2025 marked 80 years since the passing of Albert Richards, the youngest official war artist to be killed in action during WWII. The Williamson holds over two hundred of his works, spanning from his days at the Wallasey School of Art to the frontlines of France in 1944. These works show the incredible talent that Richards possessed, and his influences, from surrealism to Art Deco.

As well as displaying works by artists that inspired him and worked alongside him, such as Stanley Spencer and George Jardine, this exhibition will commemorate his life as a soldier, in which he served a key role in the D-Day landings. This incredible personal narrative, mixed with his unique style of painting, makes him one of the biggest “what ifs?” in twentieth century British art.

EVENTS:

Curator talks on Albert Richards & Philip Wilson Steer – dates throughout 2025

Info & Booking

Elizabeth Smolen: Trailblazer

NOW CLOSING 18TH OCTOBER 2025

Discover the life of local legend Elizabeth Smolen, a Polish refugee who settled in Birkenhead and became a champion scooter racer and successful businesswoman.

A keen motorcyclist and engineer, Smolen made a name for herself by repairing, dealing and racing scooters and became part of Wirral’s scooter scene. Elizabeth Smolen: Trailblazer explores Smolen’s early life against the backdrop of Soviet Poland, and how her daring escape to England allowed her to make a new home in Wirral.

Objects from Smolen’s life, including two Vespa scooters, will be on display, alongside information about Smolen’s rich life, and stories from those who remember her.

The exhibition also explores the broader Wirral scooter scene, featuring photos and memorabilia from Birkenhead-based Cloud 9 Scooter Club.

Produced in collaboration with Big Heritage.

 

Un/Earthed – A Retrospective by Landlines Studio

Digging into the land and lineage of historical sites for the past five years, collaborative artist duo, Angela Stringer and Nicky Perrin present their formative works in an exhibition which reveals the alchemical process of turning raw earth into vibrant expressions of story and place.

Harnessing natural materials such as sandstone, soil, clay and botanical matter from their local Wirral environment and beyond, they create paint and dyes to make work which transcends its origins, merging contemporary techniques with ancient traditions.

A reconstruction of the artists’ apothecary style studio will immerse visitors in their creative practice, showcasing the tools used to hand-process rock into fine pigment, before the time-honoured method of mulling it into paint.

Un/Earthed is the materialisation of journeying between the coasts of Anglesey and woodlands of Wirral. It is an exploration of identity, heritage and tales told through natural colour, reflecting on the deep connection between people and place.

EVENTS:

Film Screening: The Nettle Dress

Friday 23rd May, 6pm, £7

 

Book Now

Echoes of the Floating World

The Williamson possesses a small but notable collection of woodblock prints in the Japanese Ukiyo-e style.

These were made by some of the most important names in the period, from Hiroshige to Hokusai.

Their motifs of flat perspectives, high vantage points, and bold colour distinctions, were a radical influence across European art, including by artists from Wirral.

As such, this exhibition will show local artworks alongside Ukiyo-e prints, communicating how Wirral artists have been influenced by, and in dialogue with, artists from across the world.

Deep Listening: From Pauline Oliveros to Contemporary Practices

Join Liverpool Hope University and Tate Liverpool for their annual symposium. This year focuses on Deep Listening – a practice inspired by composer Pauline Oliveros.

Deep Listening offers a way to reflect on our relationship with the environment. Artists, specialists, and academics will explore listening as an act of care and ecological duty.

Speakers include Dr Silvia Battista, Associate Professor at the School of Creative and Performing Arts, Professor Steve Shakespeare, Professor of Philosophy at Liverpool Hope University and Professor Malcolm Miles is a Professor of Cultural Theory at the University of Plymouth.

Melting Moments

Get snowed in, in our learning space this half-term holiday, as we dig deep into the loss of the historic ice age and our current arctic habitats. From melting glaciers to polar ice caps, this exploration of snowscapes in Tate’s collection is only the tip of the iceberg.

So, don’t be left out in the cold this half-term, let your imagination snowball into an avalanche of arctic inspired creations.

Take inspiration from artworks in Tate’s collection, including Anya Gallaccio’s White Ice, L.S. Lowry’s Winter in Broughton, Briton Riviere’s Beyond Man’s Footsteps, Ed Ruscha’s Pay Nothing Until April and John Brett’s Glacier of Rosenlaui.

Our Learning Space is open every day for visiting families- a space to relax and create with art games, colouring-in, books, toys and more!

Share your experience with us on social media using @tateliverpool and #TLfamilies.

Accessibility

Tate Liverpool is temporarily located at RIBA North, Mann Island, a short distance (425m) along Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. There is step free access to the main entrance. There is a lift to the first floor gallery, or alternatively you can take the stairs.

  • Toilets are located on the first floor
  • The nearest Changing Places toilet is located at the Museum of Liverpool
  • Ear defenders are available to borrow. Please ask a Visitor Engagement Assistant

Additional seating is also available. Please ask a member of staff if you require assistance.To help plan your visit to Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information of what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.For more information before your visit:Email visiting.liverpool@tate.org.uk

Introduction to photography: Ed Ruscha

This photography workshop takes its inspiration from our ARTIST ROOMS: Ed Ruscha display to explore Liverpool’s urban landscape. Streets and buildings are a popular subject in photography, and many cities have become known through iconic images of historic landmarks.

You will be introduced to the fascinating practice of architectural photography by photographer James O. Davies, who will share tips and tricks for best practice. You will take a walking tour across the city of Liverpool and learn how to compose your own pictures of the built environment. There will also be an opportunity to engage with Ed Ruscha’s photographic work, in an exclusive curator’s tour of the display.

The workshop is suitable for photographers at all levels, including beginners. You will need to bring your camera or phone camera. Assistance on how to use your device will be provided.

Biography

James O. Davies has worked as an architectural photographer for thirty-five years. He is Team Lead in Photography at Historic England and lectures on architectural photography. His award-winning work has been published in magazines such as Wallpaper, Architectural Review, and World of Interiors, and exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery. He co-authored books on English Prisons, Post War Buildings and Stonehenge and is a long-standing collaborator on Pevsner’s Buildings of England architectural guide series.

Accessibility

Tate Liverpool is temporarily located at RIBA North, Mann Island, a short distance (425m) along Liverpool’s iconic waterfront. There is step free access to the main entrance. There is a lift to the first floor gallery, or alternatively you can take the stairs.

  • Toilets are located on the first floor
  • The nearest Changing Places toilet is located at the Museum of Liverpool
  • Ear defenders are available to borrow. Please ask a Visitor Engagement Assistant

Additional seating is also available. Please ask a member of staff if you require assistance.

To help plan your visit to Tate Liverpool + RIBA North, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information of what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.

This workshop may encourage you to explore the Albert Dock, which includes period features such as cobbles and original Yorkstone paving.

For more information before your visit:

Email visiting.liverpool@tate.org.uk

RWC’s Strike A Pose Charity Fashion Show

 

 

 

On the 7th of March, Refugee Women Connect proudly presents our second charity fashion show – Strike a Pose – hosted at the iconic Camp and Furnace. Expect a night like no other as our sensational models take to the stage, showcasing the stunning creations of our ten talented designers, including a collection created by Refugee Women Connect’s service users.

It’s a night celebrating fashion, community, diversity and the vital work Refugee Women Connect does.

Refugee Women Connect is a Merseyside based charity, working to build a safe life in the UK for all women refugees and asylum seekers. Our service users come from all walks of life, those who have fled situations of conflict, persecution and abuse. Many of our service users have survived some form of gender based violence, including sexual abuse, exploitation, human trafficking and female genital mutilation. We offer expert support to the women and their children in the community, as well working with policy makers and the wider asylum sector to support their access to social justice.

We offer practical support for refugee women and their families. This includes expert casework, accommodation and housing support, school access for children, information sessions and English language classes. We also offer bespoke one-to-one mental health support for women recovering from trauma, as well as group wellbeing sessions, such as our art group and yoga sessions. Strike a pose, hosted in alignment with International Women’s day, celebrates empowerment of all, including those that Refugee Women Connect support.

100% of every ticket sale goes directly to Refugee Women Connect, enabling us to continue providing essential support to the women who rely on our services.

Every ticket sold will make a real difference.

From dazzling fashion to music, dance, and some unmissable raffle prizes, Strike a Pose has it all! So, get suited and booted and join us for International Women’s day for a night of style, glamour and grooving. We can’t wait to see you there!

Doors open at 6:30pm. Guests are invited to enjoy the lobby, buy raffle tickets, and visit the bar before the show begins at 7:30pm.

 

 

 

Fundraiser event for Liverpool East and South East Asian Network

 

Join us in person for a fantastic fundraising event supporting the Liverpool East and South East Asian artist Network!

There will be East and South East Asian Asian food, drinks, items for sale and auction. There will also be performances and an exhibition on offer too. It’s a great chance to meet new people, buy great artwork, try Asian cuisine, see local exhibition, enjoy some wonderful activities, and help strengthen our community.

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to make a difference while having a good time. Come along, bring your friends, and show your support! 

Tickets are for admission only or admission with pre order food. You will be available to purchase food on the day too, but no gurantee as first come first serve, so pre order are essential.