National Museums Liverpool’s autumn and winter programme is celebrating archaeological finds from the region, Liverpool’s obsession with hair and contemporary artwork.
The new exhibition, Treasure: History Unearthed, will showcase items found in the region, including Bronze Age hoards to Viking gold and silver and loaned items from the British Museum.
It will be the largest collection of treasures ever displayed in the North West of England and Wales when it opens on 13th September. Curated by the museum’s team of archaeologists, the exhibition will shed a light on some of the treasures uncovered in the region, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore local history.
Elsewhere, from 3rd October a photo display will explore Liverpool’s love of hair and styling in the Museum of Liverpool’s Skylight Gallery. Featuring curly blows to mop tops, Curly Blows, Cuts and Curlers will look at the social and cultural impact of hair and will feature work from renowned photographers, including Alex Hurst, Abdullah Badwi, Paul Trevor and The Caravan Gallery.
At the Walker Art Gallery a major new exhibition will celebrate the work and legacy of JMW, 250 years since his birth. The exhibition, titled Turner: Always Contemporary, will open on 25th October and grapples with issues such as climate change and immigration.
It will feature work from the gallery collections and pieces by celebrated artists such as Claude Monet, Ethel Walker, Bridget Riley, Maggi Hambling and Damien Hirst to help explore his appeal and influence.
The John Moores Painting Prizes will also return to the Walker Art Gallery for its 68th year. First held in 1957, the prize celebrates contemporary painting and is open to any UK based artist over the age of 18. This year’s exhibition opens on 6th September, with the new winner also announced.
Other highlights at the museums include Bees: A Story of Survival, extended until 28th September at World Museum and Goodbye to Goodison, celebrating the final season of men’s football at Goodison Park and featuring newly installed photos from Everton’s final game. The celebratory exhibition is on display until 21st September.
Laura Pye, director of National Museums Liverpool, said: “Hidden treasures, iconic hairstyles and the work of a British master showcases the broad range of subjects our curators work on across our venues.
“This newly announced programme joins an already busy schedule including our major exhibition Bees: A Story of Survival, a celebration of birds and the talent of Jim Moir at Lady Lever Art Gallery, and the welcome return of the Liverpool Biennial to the city.”
About National Museums Liverpool
National Museums Liverpool is a collection of seven museums which aim to create memorable experiences and challenge expectations through permanent displays and collections in addition to temporary exbibitions.
The museums welcome groups for pre-booked self-guided visits, talks and tours. The International Slavery Museum and the Maritime Museum are currently closed for essential maintenance.
For more information about National Museums Liverpool, including current exhibitions visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk.
