One of Wirral's hidden gems, Williamson Art Gallery & Museum is minutes from the heart of Birkenhead, on the edge of Oxton village. We opened to the public in 1928. The Williamson Art Gallery & Museum was funded through Birkenhead Borough Council by the philanthropists John Williamson, a Director of the Cunard Steamship Company Ltd, and his son Patrick Williamson.

Find out more about our history. The truly splendid building provides space to display masterpieces, ceramics, and sculptures. It is also home to the largest public collection of Della Robbia pottery in the UK and to some internationally important paintings. Find out more about our collections. It is centrally located and easily accessible by car and local transport, with free parking.

Website Update

Services

Collections Report

Click the images below to find general information about our permanent collection, as well as finding out about some nominated Visitor Favourites. Since Summer 2019 we have been documenting the Williamson's collections into a brand new database. Documenting tens of thousands of the objects we have acquired over more than 90 years will give us a complete picture of everything we have.

Videos Report

In our constant effort to increase public awareness and understanding of our collections, we're delighted to bring you this new series of videos. These feature talks from our Principal Museums Officer, Colin Simpson, alongside contributions by other members of the Williamson team. These videos will bring you closer to the lesser known stories and histories behind our artworks and museum collections.

Permanent Collections Report

Our permanent collections contain a wealth of treasures giving relating to local histories of national importance. The variety of artistic and historical objects in the collections is vast, and has been collected over more than 90 years. A more detailed description of each category is given below. Please note that not all collections described may be on display, however it is possible to book private viewings.

Visitor Favourites Report

Visitor Favourites is a space for you to discover more about some of the objects our visitors, staff and volunteers have selected as their favourites in the Williamson collections. Each visitor and contributor has given an explanation of why they love it in their own words, and the entry gives more background to the artist and work.

Visitor Favourites Voting: David Hillhouse Report

We know that you have enjoyed viewing works by David Hillhouse on our social media, and several of his paintings are currently included in our exhibition Your Williamson. But which is your favourite? View this gallery of five paintings and vote for your favourite below! David Hillhouse was an artist, teacher and curator, born in Wirral, who worked in watercolour and egg tempera.

Reviews (12)

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John Clarke

Jan 20, 2022

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Fabulous collection in comfortable welcoming gallery manned by helpful knowledgeable staff. A must visit location for history buffs with interest in ceramics and naval matters.

Mark Wright

Dec 12, 2021

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A gem of a Gallery in Birkenhead. Very best of local artists present and past and further afield.

Zoe Babs Kennedy

Dec 04, 2021

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We came In for a Santa's work shop, my daughter thoroughly enjoyed it, we did the elf hunt too which gave me a chance to look at the exibhits then I took her for a bite to eat, staff and food was lovely, all staff warm and welcoming, had a little trouble getting home in wind and rain and the lady with dark hair and glasses was trying her best to help me get a taxi home. thankyou again, if there is any classes for children in the future we will be sure to come back.

Jan Hodkinson

Nov 08, 2021

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So good to be back at the Williamson after so long unable to do so. So very glad it was saved from possible closure too. Lovely to see family activities going on. Nice cake and coffee too!

Claire Billington

Oct 23, 2021

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It’s a lovely art gallery with many different exhibits. The cafe is very good with homemade soup, sandwiches, cakes etc and not expensive.

Trevor Litherland

Sep 26, 2021

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A small but really interesting museum, not too far from the centre of Birkenhead. There are several galleries inside with different exhibitions, mainly paintings, pottery and shipping. Also inside is a small, independent book shop that is quite well stocked. At present the cafe is closed but will reopen when they can. Parking here is a bit limited but don't let that put you off - go visit!

Paula Zerillo

Sep 01, 2021

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Helpful staff. Good exhibition of works not usually on display.
Good coffee shop. Friendly atmosphere

John Bashford

Aug 21, 2021

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Brilliant free museum and art gallery in Birkenhead. There's a lovely collection of paintings, scale models of ships, pottery, sculptures and furniture. It's got a cafe, shop, free carpark and there's a little secondhand book shop in the same building.

Linda Standing

Jul 28, 2021

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Love the Williamson. Always a good art exhibition. Lovely little cafe bought great slice of cake and coffee for £3 50. Not every gallery open at the moment but still a little peaceful browse.

Aileen Kearney

Apr 22, 2021

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In addition to the artwork, the Williamson is also home to a lovely little cafe -- its a very pleasant place to spend an afternoon :)

Julie Helliwell

Jun 13, 2019

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Lovely, small gallery. Lots of interesting art work, community links, great little shop, books, art stuff, lovely café.

Damaris Vazquez Oviedo

Nov 12, 2016

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Poor collection, lots of rooms weren't open.
The Williamson collection as a few good works but in general visit wasn't worthy.
The staff was nice and a string quarter was rehearsing so, at least that was good.