Women artists take centre stage in new Port Sunlight exhibition

A brand new exhibition celebrating women artists has opened in Port Sunlight, showcasing contemporary works usually only seen inside Unilever’s UK offices.

‘Women at Work: the Unilever Contemporary Art Collection’ brings paintings and prints by artists including Bridget Riley, Lisa Milroy and Margaret Calvert to Bridge Cottage – the former home of Port Sunlight founder William Lever.

Running from 22 November to 22 March, the exhibition is open Wednesday to Saturday and is free to visit, with donations supporting Port Sunlight Village Trust.

The show puts a spotlight on women whose artistic contribution has historically been overlooked. While the art world is packed with male names, the collection highlights the range and ambition of female artists and the impact they’ve had in contemporary art.

Unilever has collected contemporary art since the late 1970s, using it to make workplaces more inspiring and to support emerging artists.

Claire Tunstall, Unilever’s global head of art, archives and records management, said: “Art in the workplace isn’t just decoration – it encourages creativity, connection and new ways of thinking. Bringing part of the collection to Port Sunlight gives everyone a chance to see it.”

Jean Milton, director of heritage at Port Sunlight Village Trust, added: “There couldn’t be a better setting for this exhibition than Bridge Cottage. By presenting these women artists in such a historic space, we hope it inspires visitors and sparks new ideas.”

For more information on visiting Port Sunlight and what’s on, head to the Port Sunlight website.

Peter Pan is heading to Port Sunlight’s Gladstone Theatre this Christmas – check it out.

Find out what’s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide. 

From the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North – visit thenorthernguide.com and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram HERE.