Walker Art Gallery to host powerful new Gender Stories exhibition

A major new exhibition exploring identity, gender and self-expression is heading to Liverpool this spring, with Gender Stories opening at the Walker Art Gallery on 16 May.

The powerful exhibition brings together a huge mix of artwork, film, photography and personal objects, telling stories that span centuries and challenge how we think about gender.

Visitors can expect to see work from big names including Grayson Perry, David Hockney and James Tissot, alongside photography from Catherine Opie and Zanele Muholi, plus new film pieces from artists Ebun Sodipo and Ree Bradley.

But it’s not just traditional artwork on display. Gender Stories also features deeply personal and historic objects, from a Suffragette teapot designed by Sylvia Pankhurst to a Liverpool LGBTQ+ football scarf, showing how conversations around gender have shaped everyday life as well as art.

One of the standout historical pieces comes from artist Sarah Biffin, who was born without arms and painted using her mouth. Her work gained national recognition during her lifetime, and she later settled in Liverpool.

Another highlight is a linen smock worn by artist Gluck, who rejected traditional gender labels in the 1930s and became known for their distinctive identity and style, as well as their iconic artwork.

The exhibition also explores modern perspectives, with film and installations looking at masculinity, mental health and trans experiences, alongside content from National Museums Liverpool’s What Artists Wear series, including RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Sister Sister.

Developed in partnership with museums in Bristol and Brighton, the exhibition also includes contributions from Liverpool communities, bringing local voices and lived experiences into the space.

Head of Walker Art Gallery, Charlotte Keenan, said the exhibition is designed to spark conversation and connection, giving visitors the chance to reflect on their own experiences while hearing from others.

Gender Stories opens on 16 May and runs until 31 August 2026, with more information available via National Museums Liverpool.

For more information head to the National Museums Liverpool website.

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