This exhibition presents highlights from The Atkinson’s renowned fine art collection, displayed in the distinctive 19th-century ‘Salon Hang’ style, where artworks are arranged from floor to ceiling to create a rich, immersive visual experience.
The origins of The Atkinson date back to 1875, when William Atkinson, a cotton manufacturer from Knaresborough, generously offered Southport Corporation £6,000 to establish an art gallery and library for the town. Designed by Waddington & Son of Burnley, the Atkinson Art Gallery and Library officially opened in 1878. Atkinson later moved to Southport and went on to donate around £40,000 to the town during his lifetime — a remarkable legacy of civic generosity.
Today, The Atkinson’s fine art collection includes nearly 3,000 works spanning the 17th to the 21st centuries. This special exhibition brings together some of its most important and best-loved pieces, displayed alongside rarely seen works that have not been exhibited for years.
The exhibition will run until Saturday 7th March 2026 and entry is free. The Atkinson is open Monday – Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays) 10am – 4pm.
