Williamson Art Gallery & Museum

About

Located outside the centre of Birkenhead, the Williamson Art Gallery stands at the core of the Wirral Museums Service, offering more space than any other in its purpose-built galleries.

The Williamson houses one of the best art collections in the North West of England in its beautifully proportioned galleries. Paintings of all sorts, especially British watercolours and work by local artists, join highlights of the decorative arts collections like Liverpool Porcelain and Birkenhead's own contribution to the Arts & Crafts Movement, the Della Robbia Pottery.

Always on show is the largest single display of ship models in the area, focusing on Cammell Laird shipbuilders and their contribution to marine history, the Mersey Ferries and the variety of vessels that used the River Mersey when it was at its busiest.

In addition to the permanent collection a great effort is put into sustaining a spirited programme of temporary exhibitions. Here too the emphasis is on a celebration of the local art scene, but work is also drawn from outside to showcase the best and present it in this outstanding environment. Also the Williamson has built a regional reputation for the quality and variety of its shows.