Williamson Art Gallery
Creative Tourist
One of the Wirral’s hidden gems, the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum is minutes from the heart of Birkenhead, on the edge of the picturesque village of Oxton. It is centrally located and easily accessible by car and local transport, with free parking.
Williamson Art Gallery first opened in 1928 and today it is home to the largest public collection of Della Robbia pottery in the UK, as well as a large number of paintings, sculptures and works on paper which together, make up an impressive collection in an otherwise quiet gallery. Maritime history fans will enjoy the collection of ship models too.
As well as its own collection, the Williamson hosts a regular programme of temporary exhibitions, often working with contemporary artists. In recent years, this has worked to really showcase the potential of the gallery, its high-ceilinged atmospheric rooms creating a contemplative ambiance for the works on display. The events programme also includes regular musical concerts as well as art and crafts workshops.
The building itself is really quite beautiful but perhaps it is due to the fact it’s fairly low rather than grand and imposing, you could actually miss it. Designed to blend in with the surroundings, the Williamson entrance features a few columns but the rest is brown brick and the entire gallery is located on one level.
If you’re in the area, don’t miss the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum because it truly is a hidden gem of the Wirral and always worth a visit.
