A major exhibition delving into the private archive of Paul O’Grady, revealing his life in front of and behind the cameras, will open in his hometown of Birkenhead at the end of this year.
The Paul O’Grady Story will be a free exhibition at Williamson Art Gallery and is scheduled to open on 4 December 2026.
This retrospective, which includes a wider community and participation programme, will provide a first glimpse into Paul’s extensive archive, contextualising his journey as an LGBTQIA+ icon, an award-winning broadcaster, and a passionate activist who remained a voice for the voiceless throughout his life.
Supported by a grant of £241,484 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Wirral Council has collaborated with Andre Portasio as Creative Consultant, in association with Joan Marshrons and arts organisations Switchflicker and DuoVision.
Birkenhead remained the heart of Paul’s identity, from his early years in Tranmere to the heights of his television and radio career.
Andre Portasio, Creative Consultant, said:
“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 am delighted the exhibition will be free for everyone in the UK and beyond to enjoy and celebrate his journey.
“It is my heartfelt wish that those who visit will feel the warmth of his spirit and remember the joy he brought to so many.”
A Proud Tribute to a Local Hero
The exhibition maps the moment queer culture crossed from the club underground into the collective heart of the British public.
Channelling working-class resilience into high-glamour and razor-sharp satire, Paul O’Grady’s work altered the national cultural fabric.
Paula Basnett of Wirral Council added:
“It is incredibly special to be welcoming Paul O’Grady home to Birkenhead in this way.
“Paul never forgot where he came from, and neither have we.
“To host this exhibition is a proud moment for our borough and a tribute to a man whose humour, courage and compassion touched millions.
“We are deeply grateful to Andre Portasio and our creative partners for helping us share Paul’s story with warmth, honesty and pride and to ensure it remains free and open to everyone.”
Honouree of the Working Class and Four Legged Friends
From the “blonde bombsite” of Birkenhead to his cherished work with Battersea Dogs Home, the exhibition presents Paul O’Grady as one of Britain’s most significant cultural figures.
His career flourished from the BAFTA award-winning The Paul O’Grady Show to the deeply moving For the Love of Dogs, always maintaining a passion for speaking out against injustice.
By keeping the exhibition free of charge, the curatorial team ensures that his story remains accessible to the community that inspired his grit, his humour, and his enduring spirit.
