Paul O'Grady retrospective set for Williamson Gallery

A major retrospective dedicated to Paul O’Grady is set to be premiered in Birkenhead this winter.

The Paul O’Grady Story comes to the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum from December 4 and runs throughout 2027.

The show, which delves into the late star’s personal archive to give an insight into his life in front of and behind the lens, will be free to visit thanks to a substantial lottery grant which has enabled it to be presented at the Slatey Road venue.

The exhibition will give a first glimpse into O’Grady’s extensive archive, contextualising him as an LGBT icon, an award-winning broadcaster, passionate activist and someone who gave a voice to the voiceless, particularly those with four paws.

It will include original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes; rare footage, scripts, photography and oral histories documenting LGBT and working-class life and entertainment, and O'Grady's own personal and eclectic collection of objects, figurines and puppets.

From Tranmere (where he was born at St Catherine’s Hospital in June 1955 and spent his formative years) to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the “blonde bombsite of Birkenhead” to Battersea Dogs Home, the exhibition will present O’Grady is one of Britain's most cherished, and significant cultural figures.

There will also be a wider community and participation programme.

The exhibition has been made possible thanks to a grant of £241,484 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Wirral Council has collaborated with O’Grady’s widower Andre Portasio as creative consultant in association with the late star’s long-time agent and friend Joan Marshrons, and arts organisations Switchflicker and DuoVision - the latter of whom were also the team behind the Holly Johnson Story exhibition at the Museum of Liverpool.

Andre Portasio says: “I will forever be in debt to Wirral Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Switchflicker and all the supporters who have made it possible for me to bring the boy from Birkenhead back to his hometown.

“This exhibition showcases a variety of objects and costumes that mark his incredible career, life, and legacy.

“I’m delighted the exhibition will be free for everyone in the UK and beyond to enjoy and celebrate his journey. It’s my heartfelt wish that those who visit will feel the warmth of his spirit and remember the joy he brought to so many.”

The Paul O’Grady Story opens at the Williamson Art Gallery and Museum in Birkenhead on December 4, 2026.

Top: Paul O'Grady and his alter ego Lily Savage. Photos by Nicky Johnston