Southport Palette Club Prepares for Centennial Sefton Open Exhibition
The Southport Palette Club, recognized as one of the oldest surviving art societies in the region, is gearing up for its centennial exhibition. Established in 1921, the club has been a fixture in Southport's vibrant art scene, with the 2026 event marking the centenary of its much-anticipated Sefton Open Exhibition at The Atkinson.
A Rich History of Artistic Excellence
Founded by local landscape painter Percy Lancaster, the Palette Club was created to advance the professional interests of Southport artists through annual exhibitions. Its early members included artists of national repute, such as Joseph Harold Swanwick, known for his farming scenes, and Henry Percy Huggill, along with portrait painter John Archibald Alexander Berrie. The club was led by Southport-born President Philip Connard until his death.
The enduring partnership between the Palette Club and The Atkinson began when H.P. Huggill, then curator of the gallery, was appointed as the group's first chairman. Initially displaying up to 180 works, the exhibition has grown significantly in size and variety over the years.
Evolution and Expansion of the Exhibition
In 1938, ceramic and craft works were introduced for the first time, followed by video in 2001. The exhibition embraced the digital world in 2020 by going online. Peter Owen, current chairman of the Southport Palette Club, notes that while painting remains a strong foundation, there has been a notable increase in submissions for printmaking and three-dimensional works, particularly impressive ceramics.
The selected works highlight the diversity and quality of creative practice across Sefton, offering a vibrant snapshot of the local arts scene. The Palette Club operates as an executive committee with a self-perpetuating council of nine members, focusing solely on organizing the annual exhibition.
Growing Popularity and Modern Adaptations
Each year, the call-out attracts hundreds of submissions from artists vying for space at The Atkinson. Early exhibitions featured fewer than 200 works, but the event's popularity has led to expansions, with artists now limited to three entries for pre-selection. During the 2010s, when The Atkinson was unavailable, the exhibition moved temporarily to Bootle Town Hall and Greenbank High School.
Returning to The Atkinson in 2014, the juried exhibition became part of the all-embracing Sefton Open in 2015, providing a platform for art groups throughout the borough. By 2022, the Palette Club fully occupied three galleries, displaying over 500 artworks.
Centenary Celebration and Public Engagement
Jemma Tynan, The Atkinson's Exhibitions and Learning Officer, reports that the 2026 Sefton Open will feature 699 artworks, all available for sale for the first time, with prices ranging from £25 to £3,000. The exhibition includes a wide variety of media, such as ceramics, prints, textiles, photographs, and paintings.
Attendees are encouraged to vote for their favorite artwork to award "The People's Prize," with the winner receiving £100. This initiative supports local artists and engages the community in the arts.
Exhibition Details
The Sefton Open runs from March 28 to May 30, 2026, at The Atkinson in Southport, Sefton, Merseyside. Entry is free, and the gallery is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. This centenary event celebrates a century of artistic achievement and community involvement in the region.
