Lady Lever Art Gallery

The Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight, boasts an impressive collection of fine and decorative art. Founded by industrialist William Lever and dedicated to his wife, the gallery opened its doors in 1922 and has since become a cultural gem in the Wirral peninsula.

Pre-Raphaelite paintings

The Lady Lever boasts a renowned collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Works featuring the likes of Dante Gabriel Rossetti showcase the movement's emphasis on detail, symbolism, and medieval themes. The gallery also offers a diverse selection of British 18th and 19th century paintings and sculptures, including the best group of New Sculpture outside London.

Wedgewood

The gallery also houses a world-renowned collection of Wedgwood jasperware, with some of the pieces originally owned by naturalist Charles Darwin, who was Josiah Wedgwood’ grandson. Porcelain enthusiasts will also be delighted by the array of Chinese ceramics from the Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong periods on display.

Napoleon

Fascinated by the French Emperor, Lever collected furniture, decorative arts and memorabilia associated with him, highlights of which are on display in the Napoleon Room. The gallery also displays tapestries, archaeological finds and Lever’s Masonic collection.

Events

The Lady Lever Art Gallery regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, and a program of events, including talks, workshops, and family-friendly activities. There is also a café on the lower ground floor next to the shop.

Looking for more galleries and museums in Liverpool? Why not check out these nearby attractions, World Museum, Walker Art Gallery and Tate Liverpool + RIBA North.