Skint in Scouseland - The Walker Art Gallery

When it comes to exciting things to do in Liverpool, you will never fall short. There are so many art galleries, museums, events and more. For the cheaper side of things, these are the perfect things to do when you're a little bit strapped for cash.

So here is the first stop in the 'Skint in Scouseland' series…..

The Walker Art Gallery.

Located right across from St Johns Gardens, The Walker Art Gallery is home to hundreds of pieces of art. From sculptures and paintings, to modern day art pieces about fashion and football, they've got a little something for everyone.

It is adjacent to the central library and the world museum so if you're looking for a day of exhibitions and intellectual reading, then is the perfect spot.

The Walker Art Gallery is referred to as the National Gallery of the North. For over 130 years, it has housed some of Liverpool's most remarkable art pieces. On the 28th September 1874, Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh laid the foundation stones and the council used £1,200 to purchase the original works of art that were first to enter the gallery, and in 1877, just under 3 years later, the gallery was open to the public.

The exhibits are free to visit and look around, however donations are encouraged as it is a charitable organisation.

The staff are lovely and helpful, helping to direct you to whichever exhibition interests you the most and then leave you to your own devices through the gallery.

Photo Creds – Daisy Wilson

There was the option to have a digital tour guide as well as interactive spots near different collections, but we chose to look around and read for ourselves about the different pieces of work.

Photo Credit: Dais Wilson 

Here is one of my favourites.

This piece is called 'Submarine Torpedo Bay' which was painted in 1945 by Oliver Brabbins. Description of the painting was as follows:

"Brabbins worked as an artist in the Royal Naval Film Unit. His tasks included making paintings and drawings for educational films. In this painting he has captured the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere of a submarine. Three men struggle to load a torpedo in the hot, cramped space. All the time they could be attacked by an enemy ship."

I found it incredible how they had pieces of work based around Covid-19, and Donald Trump etc.

The temporary exhibition, available until 3rd January 2023, was called 'Refraction Pool' and involved many modern works of art by a variety of different artists. The difference with this, is that the exhibition combined difference work of each artist into one refracted piece of art. These were the artists involved in this work.

Photo Credit: Dais Wilson