The Walker Art Gallery’s fabulous collection spans over 500 years and comprises of Renaissance masterpieces, Tudor portraits and one of the best collections of Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art in the U.K. You can also explore extensive sculpture and fashion collections, as well as modern works by Lucian Freud, Bridget Riley and Banksy.
The gallery had its genesis in the early 19th century as the private collection of William Roscoe, a local lawyer, politician, historian and philanthropist. Two centuries later the collection has grown into one of the largest and most important collections in the United Kingdom.
Begin your tour in the Medieval and Renaissance ages, in Room 1, where highlights include Mostaert’s Portrait of a Young Man, and a magnificent portrait of King Henry VIII. Don’t miss the High Victorian room, which includes Leighton’s Elijah in the Wilderness and Rossetti’s Dante’s Dream. In the Impressionist room, stand before masterpieces by Monet, Degas and Cézanne.
In Room 11, enjoy works by British greats Lucian Freud and LS Lowry, and follow the interactive timeline which charts the history of British art from 1880 to 1950. To admire more recent works, head to Room 12 where you’ll see many works acquired from the John Moores Prize, the U.K.’s best known painting competition which culminates in an exhibition at the Walker every 2 years.
The Craft and Design gallery features an extensive collection of fashion from the 1700s to the present day. Admire the works of great British designers such as Malcolm McLaren, Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith. The gallery is also home to a collection of 500 sculptures and decorative pieces, which date from the ancient world to the modern day. Children will enjoy the Big Art for Little Artists room, which offers young children a hands-on introduction to art and sculpture.
Visit the café in the opulent atrium and enjoy tea and free Wi-Fi under classical statues, then pop into the gift shop to pick up locally designed prints and jewelry.
The Walker Art Gallery is located close to Liverpool’s city center and is a short walk from Lime Street Station.
