National Museums Liverpool Podcast

We trace the remarkable life of a pioneering trans woman who forged her own path with courage and determination. From her early years in Liverpool to the world she built beyond it, April became a celebrated fashion model, actress, and a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights.

In the Walker Art Gallery collection, alongside works by the likes of Lucien Freud and Rose Wylie, is a rather unusual portrait of a barefoot man in a grey suit. The surrealist portrait is of and by Wallasey-based artist Albert Richards. The aspiring artist would go on to serve in the Army during WWII as a paratrooper and would end up becoming a war artist before sadly passing away while in servic...

Discover how Everton's very own Sarah P Corbett turned her activism learnt at a local level into a worldwide crafting movement.

In this episode, we uncover the history of John Middleton, aka the Childe of Hale. Born in 1578, in the village of Hale, John Middleton was a man who allegedly grew to a height of 9ft 3 inches. Known for his great strength, he was employed as bodyguard for the Sheriff of Lancashire, where word of his exploits led him to the court of King James I. We’ll explore John’s extraordinary life, from his h...

Built in the early 18th century, the Old Dock was the world’s first purpose-built commercial wet dock. Its creation marked the beginning of Liverpool’s transformation into a major hub of European trade and a central port in the Transatlantic slave trade, fuelling rapid growth in both wealth and population. In this episode, National Museum Liverpool's Tour Guide Stephanie Mitchard explains the stor...

In this episode we journey through nearly thirty years of musical experimentation and innovation with Liverpool's contemporary classical pioneers - Ensemble 10:10.  Formed in 1997, the Ensemble has established itself at the forefront of the contemporary classical sphere, whilst also supporting young musicians and composers through opportunities such as the Rushworth Composition Prize. This is a st...

In this episode we explore the foundation of Britain's first mosque, and the life and times of its enigmatic founder, Abdullah Quilliam. Quilliam established the mosque in 1887, having embraced Islam and adopting the name Abdullah, after a trip to Morocco. The mosque became an influential hub for the growth of Islam in Britain and, over 100 years later, is still operating from its original premise...

Liverpool is enjoying an underground cinema renaissance and in this episode, we speak to three of the people at the heart of Liverpool's DIY film club revival. First we speak with 18:33 Films co-founder Harry James Wormald whose purpose is to push films created and based in Liverpool. Secondly, we hear from Khara Adele, the curator behind Black Girl Watching, a club promoting predominantly Black B...

In this episode we go behind the scenes of one of the most beloved events in city's cultural calendar, Africa Oyé. We chat to Paul Duhaney, Africa Oyé’s Artistic Director and Dave McTague, the festival’s Head of Marketing and Partnerships, to learn more about the festival's journey from humble beginnings, into the internationally acclaimed showcase it is today.

Celebrate 133 years of sporting history at one of football’s most enduring arenas - Goodison Park. In this episode we look back at 133 years of sporting heritage as the curtain comes down on Everton's beloved stadium, as the club prepare to move to their new ground at Bramley Moore Dock.

This episode rolls through the history of Liverpool's premier skate shop, Lost Art. Discover the origins behind the shop, and its journey into an iconic cornerstone of the U.K. skate scene, with founder Dave Mackey & Lost Art skater Joseph "Geff" Obando McGuffog.

This episode explores Homotopia, the UK’s longest-running LGBTQIA arts and cultural festival, which champions queer visibility, creativity, and community. Guests include Bev Ayre, Danny Kilbride, Joan Burnett and Kolade T Lapido.

The story of a local man behind some of the world's most famous toys including Meccano, Hornby Trains and Dinky Toys.

This podcast is the second of a two part special. In this episode we find out about the emergence and impact of HIV and AIDS on the Liverpool LGBTQ+ community. We hear more about this horrendous disease from five people who saw its impact first hand - Carl, Nick, Maria, Gerry, Martin and James.

In this episode we go back 40 years to find out more about the creative explosion going on in the city.  We hear about this culturally vibrant moment in our local history from five people who lived it - Carl, Nick, Maria, Gerry and James.

In this episode, we explore the importance of cultural identity and how music and dance serve as powerful forces for uplifting communities.   We speak with former Delado dancer Maxine Brown and Project Facilitator Eliss Eyo-Thompson about Delado's emergence as a community dance project in the aftermath of the Toxteth riots, its growth into one of Liverpool's leading exponents of African culture du...

In this episode we find out that there is more to the city's sport scene than football. We speak to Liverpool Roller Birds Ruckus and Daria about the best sport you may never have heard of - roller derby.

In this episode we get a potted history of Liverpool's Royal Court's 200 year history in just over half an hour. We speak to Iain Christie about the past, present and future of this beloved Liverpool institution.

How a group of radical gardeners are rejuvenating neglected urban areas through wildflowers. We speak to Richard Scott and Polly Moseley about their mission to breathe new life into the city through creative ecology. We also hear from Laurence Westgaph and Peter Carney who have worked on Scouse Flowerhouse projects.

When creativity gets competitive. We take a look back at one of art's oldest and most prestigious prizes. We're joined by a couple of John Moores Painting Prize experts in curator Ann Bukantas and academic Dr Hana Leaper.  

How, and why did Birkenhead-native Ron Gittins turn his home into a living work of art. We talk to TV director Martin Wallace, about the story behind (and ahead of) Ron's Place.

How a group of punk rockers saved St Luke's church. We talk to musician and artist, Ambrose Reynolds, about his years as caretaker and Creative Director, of this beloved Liverpool landmark.

Jock Stein once said "Football without fans is nothing". And whilst that may be true, representation amongst supporters has historically been overwhelmingly male. In recent years however, football has changed and we are now seeing more women championing the beautiful game, both on the pitch and in the terraces. To discuss these developments we welcome the founder of photo-zine GIRLFANS Jacqui McAs...

In four short years, the Eric's club in Liverpool became legendary for its international roster, raucous punk antics and youth centric outlook. Eric's was an impromptu 'school of music' and key to the rise of famous Liverpool bands and figures of the late 70s and early 80s; from Echo & the Bunnymen, The Teardrop Explodes, and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, to Pete Burns, Pete Wylie and man...

From Jodie Comer to Jimmy McGovern, the stars of film and TV are making Liverpool proud, continuing its remarkable history of screen writing and onscreen talent. But what is the state of the Scouse film scene today and what does the future look like?