The work of Wirral-based sculptor Emma Rodgers to go on display at Williamson Art Gallery

This summer, the Williamson Art Gallery will host a special exhibition of the work of Wirral-based sculptor Emma Rodgers.

The exhibition is a mini-retrospective of Emma’s practice and gives visitors a chance to step into the artist’s studio and see how her work has developed over time – from the young art student awestruck by the collections in her local Williamson Art Gallery, to one of the country’s foremost sculptors in ceramic and bronze. “Wunderkammer” explores the objects, people and places that have fascinated and inspired Emma throughout her career.

Alongside the exhibition, the Williamson Art Gallery will be unveiling a specially commissioned new sculpture by Emma for the Gallery’s outdoor courtyard. The ‘Garden of Artemis’ is a life-size ornamental oak tree sculpture in steel and bronze – a nod to both the oak tree in Birkenhead’s coat of arms, and the trees that feature in the Gallery’s collection of Della Robbia decorative ceramics.

The sculpture has been made possible by funding from the estate of Fanchon Frohlich, through the Williamson and Priory Friends.

Emma Rodgers is one of the most celebrated sculptors working in ceramic and bronze. Her work, acclaimed for its vibrancy, strength and flexibility has been exhibited at the V&A, the Royal Academy, SOFA Chicago, and in New York and Miami. Emma has undertaken several significant public sculpture commissions, including the famous Cilla Black statue on Mathew Street in Liverpool, and – most recently – a statue celebrating the pioneering Welsh writer and feminist Elaine Morgan in Mountain Ash, South Wales. This is however her first creation for her home town of Birkenhead.

More information about the exhibition, artist and Williamson Art Gallery & Museum can be found on the website here.