Victoria Gallery presents Toxteth: The Harlem of Europe

Liverpool’s influential Black musicians are being celebrated in a new exhibition at the Victoria Gallery & Museum this autumn.

Toxteth: The Harlem of Europe features new images of key figures from the 1950s and 60s music scene take by photographer Ean Flanders, along with portraits of their descendants.

It runs at the University of Liverpool gallery in Ashton Street from October 11 to April next year.

The exhibition tells the story of a generation whose talent and innovation helped shape the sound of modern British music.

Presented in partnership with local charity Mandela8 and arts development organisation Northern Roots, the exhibition draws on the knowledge and memories of community figures such as singer Ramon ‘Sugar’ Deen and Carol Phillips - daughter of Harold ‘Lord Woodbine’ Phillips (who helped The Beatles in their formative years), and elders who were active in the area during this era.

Visitors will be able to see photographs of leading figures from the city’s music scene including Chris Amoo and Dave Smith from The Real Thing, Garry Christian from The Christians, Ramon ‘Sugar’ Deen from The Harlems, Joe Ankrah and Alan Harding from The Chants, female harmony group Distinction, and reggae artist Ramon Judah, who continues to champion Toxteth’s rich musical tradition today.

Above: Distinction. Top: Joe Ankrah of The Chants. Photos by Ean Flanders.

The exhibition will examine how out of the racial inequality of 50s and 60s Liverpool emerged a rich, dynamic music scene centred on the vibrant nightlife of L8. Clubs such as the Whitehouse, the Palm Cove, and Dutch Eddies became hubs of creativity and musical excellence.

Complementing Flanders' portraits will be a selection of archival images, bringing to life this time in the area’s history.

Nicola Euston, Head of Museums and Galleries at the University of Liverpool, said: “We’re delighted to host this exhibition at the Victoria Gallery & Museum, helping to shine a spotlight on this significant moment in not only Liverpool’s history but that of the global music scene.

“As signatories of the Liverpool Arts and Culture Race Equality Manifesto, we’re committed to ensuring our programmes reflect the diversity and richness of the communities we serve.

Above: The Real Thing on stage at The Brindley in Runcorn. Photo by Ean Flanders.

“It’s been a pleasure to work once again with Ean Flanders, and to collaborate with Northern Roots, Mandela and L8 community members on a project that is both celebratory and deeply rooted in Liverpool’s cultural heritage.”

Ean Flanders, whose previous exhibition The Descendants was staged at the gallery in 2023, added: “It’s a pleasure to be working once again at the Victoria Gallery & Museum.

"My involvement in this project grew from hearing the many stories of the artists and musicians of that era, and the struggles and inequalities they endured.

"I feel it is vital that these pioneers are acknowledged, not only for the influence they had in Liverpool, but also for the impact they made far beyond the city.”

The exhibition is curated by Ean Flanders, Northern Roots and Leonie Sedman, Curator of Heritage and Collections Care at the University of Liverpool.

Toxteth: The Harlem of Europe is at the Victoria Gallery & Museum from October 11 to April 26, 2026.