Following a £2.8 million development project, the South End galleries at the Lady Lever Art Gallery in Port Sunlight are now open.
The new galleries have been returned to their original architectural glory as part of the improvement works.
Groups visiting can expect to see the art collections of English philanthropist William Hesketh Lever displayed in a similar style to that of when the gallery first opened in 1922.
Restoration details
Original doorways have been opened up to improve circulation within the galleries and original vaulted ceilings have been revealed.
New glazed doors provide picturesque views of Port Sunlight village from the South End, while architectural lighting highlights some of the gallery’s most iconic features, including the South End glass dome.
As well as new exhibition rooms, the galleries also have hands-on areas for younger visitors. These allow children to build their own gallery using magnetic building blocks, or play with a Wedgwood-inspired tea set.
What can groups see on a visit?
The new galleries house 1,500 objects, including a collection of Wedgwood jasperware and an assortment of Chinese porcelain.
Groups can also see 18th century paintings and sculpture, and English 18th century furniture.
A new Napoleon room displaying furniture and artefacts relating to Napoleon, and a Chinoiserie room exploring the ways in which European artists re-interpreted oriental designs have also opened.
A new Picasso exhibition
Also new at the Lady Lever Art Gallery this year is a colourful exhibition of Picasso linocuts which will run from 24th June until 8th January 2017.
The Picasso Linocuts from the British Museum exhibition will reveal the progressive stages of lino cutting that Picasso developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Group bookings are available at the art gallery, and GTOs should call 0151-478 4788 to organise a visit.
For further information visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ladylever.
(Photo credit: 2016 National Museums Liverpool).
