Smithdown Social Arts Hub, in collaboration with The Athenaeum, is thrilled to announce a heritage-focused addition to its upcoming exhibition of local artists. This unique event will feature previously unseen works by historic Liverpool artists, including James Brierley (1783–1814) and William Gawin Herdman (1805–1882), now available for public viewing.
Alongside contemporary local artists, the exhibition will prominently feature significant works from The Athenaeum’s private collection, highlighting Liverpool’s rich artistic heritage. Among the heritage highlights are artworks by James Brierley, a celebrated portraitist and landscape artist of the early 19th century, and William Gawin Herdman, renowned for his illustrations of Liverpool’s evolving cityscape. Both artists played crucial roles in documenting Liverpool during their time.
These artworks, carefully preserved in The Athenaeum’s private collection, have rarely been seen by the public—until now. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to delve into Liverpool’s history through the eyes of two of its most important historic artists.
The exhibition will celebrate not only these historic figures but also create a conversation between the past and present by placing their work alongside that of contemporary local artists. This blend of old and new highlights Liverpool’s ongoing artistic development and underscores the city’s cultural significance.
“This is a truly special moment for art and art history lovers in Liverpool,” said Brenda Monahan, Director at Smithdown Social Arts Hub. “The opportunity to include the works of James Brierley and William Gawin Herdman, alongside today’s talented local artists, allows us to reflect on the city’s enduring artistic legacy.”
“We are excited to share with the city region important pieces of historic artwork held within the Athenaeum’s collection, to do this alongside stunning contemporary pieces will provide a unique experience. As an organisation we are committed to providing managed access and showcasing items of significant heritage from our collection, and this leap towards access and engagement alongside partners Smithdown Social Arts Hub looks to be a memorable step in our history,” said Roger Phillips, Chair of The Athenaeum.
Event Highlights:
- Exhibition Dates: 13th September to 29th November, 2024
- Location: The Athenaeum, Liverpool
- Featuring: Historic works by James Brierley (1783–1814) and William Gawin Herdman (1805–1882), alongside contemporary local Liverpool artists
- Heritage Focus: Discover rare and unseen pieces from The Athenaeum’s private collection, offering a glimpse into Liverpool’s cultural and artistic development over the last two centuries.
The exhibition will also offer the public a chance to enjoy refreshments in the historic Newsroom, where many important discussions about Liverpool’s business and artistic heritage have occurred. The Newsroom features an impressive array of portraits, some on loan from the Walker Art Gallery, as well as other historic artefacts of interest.
The art and heritage exhibition will be open to the public on most Thursday and Friday evenings from 6-9pm starting 13th September. The ticket price includes a refreshment at the Newsroom bar and access to the art and heritage exhibits. Tickets can be purchased via Eventbrite: https://shorturl.at/4RVkE
The first exhibition will be launched on Thursday 12th September with a special opening event featuring live music, refreshments, and opportunities to meet the artists. Press members are invited to this exclusive event. Please RSVP to concierge@theathenaeum.org.uk.
The exhibition will open to the general public on 13th September. For those wishing to attend as buyers, please RSVP to hello@smithdownsocial.co.uk.
