7 reasons why you should see Liverpool artist Anthony Brown’s new exhibition in Port Sunlight

Liverpool artist Anthony Brown’s distinctive mixed media style has made his portraits instantly recognisable and fascinating too.

Using a collage technique, he adds personal information on each subject such as birth and school certificates, family photos and news articles to create the images.

Actor Andrew Schofield perfectly summed up his art when he said, ‘Stand back, you see the face; look close, you see the life.’.

An exhibition of Anthony’s work, Behind the Eye, is currently on display in Port Sunlight Village until the end of August.

So if you’ve not been yet, here are 7 reasons to visit …

You’ll see some famous Liverpool faces

Anthony, who’s a former student of Wirral Metropolitan School of Art and Liverpool School of Printing, has had international acclaim for his artwork, which has been exhibited worldwide. Locally he’s known particularly for capturing many of the city’s most talented people, from musicians to writers, lawyers to artists. Portraits in Behind the Eye, spanning 37 years, have been chosen to celebrate individuals who’ve had an impact on Wirral, Liverpool and Anthony’s own life. They include John Lennon, Alan Bleasdale and Joe Ankrah, artist and leader of 1960s band The Chants.

It’s free to experience 

There’s no admission charge to view the exhibition although Port Sunlight Village Trust, which protects the village’s unique heritage, is registered charity so donations are always welcome.

It’s in a historic – and often filmed – venue 

Behind the Eye is housed inside Port Sunlight’s Bridge Cottage which dates back to 1892. The building, one of the most architecturally outstanding in the village, was once home to William Lever himself who lived there until 1900. Its impressive design has made it a popular choice for film and TV crews, featuring in productions such as Chariots of Fire, Tolkien, Peaky Blinders and 2024’s biopic of Beatles manager Brian Epstein, Midas Man.

You can explore beautiful Port Sunlight village afterwards

The beauty of going to see an exhibition in Port Sunlight is there’s also lots more to see and do. Lady Lever Art Gallery has a fascinating exhibition celebrating the life of Arts & Crafts designer and feminist pioneer (and William Morris’ daughter) May Morris. You could visit the award-winning museum to discover more about Port Sunlight’s history, see inside a worker’s cottage – and then treat yourself at one of the independent cafes, including Nettle, home to the delicious Port Sunlight Bun!

It’s easy to get there with public transport

It’s super-easy to get to the exhibition by train because Port Sunlight Merseyrail station is just a couple of minutes’ walk from Bridge Cottage at 23 Park Road.

If you’re driving, free parking is available nearby

If you do decide to drive, no need to worry about finding a space or having to pay – free parking is available on Park Road and surrounding roads, just remember to be thoughtful of the residents.

The exhibition is on until the end of August, so you have loads of time to see it

Anthony Brown: Behind the Eye runs until August 29, each week from Wednesday to Saturday, 11am–3pm, so you’ve plenty of time to catch it.

Find out more about this new exhibition here.

Find out the latest across Liverpool here.

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