A major exhibition delving into the private archive of Paul O’Grady, revealing his life both 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 the Williamson Art Gallery, opening 4 December 2026.
4th December 2026 – Late 2027
Image Credit: © Nicky Johnston
The exhibition, which includes a wider community and participation programme, offers the first glimpse into Paul’s extensive archive, contextualising him as an LGBTQIA+ icon, award‑winning broadcaster, passionate activist and someone who gave a voice to the voiceless—especially those with four paws.
From Tranmere to the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, the “blonde bombsite of Birkenhead” to Battersea Dogs’ Home, the exhibition positions Paul O’Grady as one of Britain’s most cherished and significant cultural figures.
Supported by a £241,484 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Wirral Borough Council has collaborated with Andre Portasio as Creative Consultant, in association with Joan Marshrons, alongside arts organisations Switchflicker and DuoVision.
Birkenhead sits at the heart of Paul’s story—through the acid tongue of Lily Savage, the humour and activism of Paul the presenter, his determination to stand up for a cause, and his working‑class identity. Premiering the exhibition in his hometown has been central to the curatorial team’s ambition, with The Paul O’Grady Estate committed to ensuring access remains free.
Andre Portasio
“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.”
Paula Bassnett, Wirral Borough Council
“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.”
Helen Featherstone, The National Lottery Heritage Fund
“We’re thrilled to be supporting the exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Paul O’Grady in his hometown of Birkenhead, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. The exhibition and wider project from Switchflicker will shine a light on LGBTQ+ heritage and Paul O’Grady’s remarkable role in bringing that to the fore during his varied career.”
Jayne Compton, Switchflicker
“Switchflicker is privileged to produce this project. Paul O’Grady didn’t just inhabit a character; he channelled the defiant spirit of a community. This exhibition unmasks the artistry and journey from radical drag performer to becoming a national treasure.”
James Lawler, DuoVision
“We’re excited to be given this opportunity to focus on the life and work of trailblazing artist Paul O’Grady. I had the pleasure of working with Paul in the 1980s, and it’s great to now have the chance to celebrate this unique character, his amazing talent and achievements.”
Early Years
Paul James O’Grady was born to Molly and Paddy O’Grady on 14 June 1955 in Birkenhead, and grew up in a close-knit Irish Catholic household in Tranmere. The youngest of three children, he attended St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Prenton and later St. Anselm’s College in Birkenhead.
After leaving school, Paul worked a variety of jobs including:
- Clerk in the Magistrates Courts
- Care worker at a Children’s Convalescent Home in West Kirby
Crossover into Mainstream
Set against the turbulent social and political landscape of 1980s Britain, the exhibition explores the rise of Lily Savage during the era of Section 28 and widespread homophobia. Lily emerged as a defiant response to the unrest—blending working‑class resilience with high‑glamour, razor‑sharp satire.
Marking the 60th anniversary of the 1967 Sexual Offences Act, the exhibition places Paul at the forefront of LGBTQIA+ visibility, charting the moment queer culture crossed from pubs and clubs into the national mainstream.
Lily’s television career included:
- The Lily Savage Show (BBC)
- Lily Live (ITV)
- Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank
After retiring Lily, Paul’s career flourished—most notably with the BAFTA‑winning The Paul O’Grady Show, Paul O’Grady: For the Love of Dogs, and Paul O’Grady’s Little Heroes, as well as a decade-long residency on BBC Radio 2.
Paul wrote four volumes of autobiography, and in 2017 released Paul O’Grady’s Country Life. His children’s books, featuring Eddie Albert, focused on kindness, animal welfare and helping children who feel they don’t fit in.
Despite enormous success, Paul remained outspoken when he saw injustice—highlighting working‑class struggles in The Working Class and The Sally Army and Me.
The Archive: Craft, Costume, and Character
For the first time, the public will be able to explore the craft behind Paul O’Grady’s persona. The exhibition includes:
● Iconic Wardrobe
Original Lily Savage and pantomime costumes that defined an era in British drag.
● Media
Rare footage, scripts, photography and oral histories documenting LGBTQIA+ activism and working‑class entertainment.
● Private World
A look at Paul’s eclectic personal collection of objects, figurines and puppets that influenced his creative imagination.
A Living Heritage
Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project extends beyond the gallery walls—documenting Paul’s legacy and the lived experiences of his peers and community. Through oral history sessions, the exhibition captures stories from the local LGBTQIA+ community, cementing Paul O’Grady’s place in the heritage of the Northwest and the Royal Vauxhall Tavern.
The exhibition will also feature a year‑long public programme including:
- Talking Heads events
- Music, performance and cabaret
- Reading clubs for Paul’s children’s books in libraries across the Wirral
Further details will be announced soon. For more on Williamson Art Gallery, click HERE.