First look as huge Paul O'Grady exhibition with husband as creative director set for Birkenhead
A major retrospective dedicated to Paul O'Grady is set to debut at the Williamson Art Gallery in Birkenhead, opening on 11 December 2026 and running into late 2027. The project is commissioned by Switchflicker, Wirral Council and DuoVision, with O'Grady’s widower Andre Portasio serving as creative director and former agent Joan Marshrons as consultant.
The show brings together costumes, personal objects and archive material—many unseen before—alongside an oral history of LGBTQIA+ stories, a reading club celebrating his children’s books, and initiatives highlighting his lifelong animal‑welfare advocacy. A heritage trail weaves through Birkenhead Park, Oxton and the riverfront, extending the exhibition beyond the gallery walls.
Portasio stresses that admission is free, inviting fans from the local community and beyond to reconnect with O'Grady’s humor, warmth and the causes that mattered to him. Visitors can expect an intimate portrait of the broadcaster, performer and activist whose influence spanned television, literature and charity work.