Joe Lycett Debuts Major Solo Art Exhibition in Birmingham with Complimentary Access
Beloved Birmingham comedian Joe Lycett is set to present his inaugural significant solo art exhibition in the city, and entry will be entirely free of charge. The exhibition, titled EVERY THING MUST GO, will showcase numerous previously unseen artworks by the Kings Heath native at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.
Exhibition Details and Artistic Themes
Lycett describes the exhibition as featuring "colourful and silly depictions of loads of dead stuff", reflecting a playful yet poignant approach. Over the past year, he has dedicated himself to creating pieces that explore nostalgia, grief, and loss, centered on the theme of "things that are no longer with us". His inspiration draws from objects within Birmingham's own collection, adding a local touch to the works.
A spokesperson for the exhibition elaborated, "This ambitious mixed-media display will include subjects such as deceased celebrities, discontinued chocolate bars, extinct animals, and destroyed buildings, all presented in Lycett's characteristic tongue-in-cheek style." The arrangement will feature a bold salon display of his latest paintings, covering the gallery walls to contemplate memory and cultural shifts through humor, striking visuals, and a distinctly Brummie perspective.
Lycett's Excitement and Previous Artistic Endeavors
Expressing his enthusiasm, Joe Lycett stated, "I’m honoured and delighted to be exhibiting in the superb Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, right in the centre of the best city in the world. I'm hoping to create a sort of neon graveyard which will overwhelm, delight and confuse gallery-goers." This marks a significant milestone in his artistic career, building on prior exhibitions.
Previously, Lycett exhibited his painting 'The Mona Lisa Scott-Lee', featuring pop star Lisa Scott-Lee, at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in late 2024 and early 2025 as part of a tour promoting his book 'Joe Lycett’s Art Hole'. His work has also been featured in prestigious venues including the Royal Academy of Arts, National Portrait Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, Ikon Gallery, MAC Birmingham, Bristol Arnolfini, and Wolverhampton Art Gallery.
Support from Birmingham Museums Trust
Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, shared their excitement, saying, "We are thrilled to welcome Joe Lycett back to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery with this major new exhibition. His unique artistic style, combined with his deep connection to Birmingham, makes this a truly special project. Visitors can expect something visually spectacular, thought-provoking and full of personality."
The exhibition is scheduled to open to the public at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, with general admission remaining free, making it accessible to all art enthusiasts and comedy fans alike.
