The Williamson and Priory Friends proposed an idea to develop a dis-used courtyard at the Williamson Art Gallery as a garden over two years ago and we are now near completion as we reach the gallery's 90th Birthday.

The building lacked a secure outdoor area but this outside/inside heart of the gallery had been derelict and without purpose. Our new garden offers a usable and flexible space which should increase the attractiveness of the venue for visitors, local residents and anyone who needs a moment of quiet, as well as providing a venue for family celebrations and corporate events.  Our aim is to bring this space, ‘The Quad', into use as The Green Gallery, where all visitors would be able to sit freely to enjoy the plants and (hopefully) sculpture, or even to take inspiration from the surroundings for their own artwork.

The Wirral Museums Service, fully supported by the Friends, provides acclaimed creative sessions for families and also works regularly with schools from across Merseyside so an outside “breakout space” offers a welcome addition to the exhibition rooms. 

The gallery has great potential to further increase the numbers of visitors - both local and from further afield. The Green Gallery  has given an extra dimension to the venue to help attract new people into the wonderful world of art, culture and heritage. It will bring many practical benefits and raise the public profile of the gallery.

We have received generous donations so far from charitable trusts, Friends and the public but we are still £10,000 short of our target figure. This is required for benches and lighting.  Major contributors will be added to our donations board within the gallery. A contribution for £300 will cover the cost of a bench, for example. Donations specified for benches can be acknowledged on the board in the name of a specific person.