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VISITOR INFORMATION
Saturday 28 March 2026 - Saturday 30 May 2026

Monday - Saturday. 10am - 4pm.
Closed Bank Holidays.

Galleries
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Home Exhibitions The Sefton Open 2026

The Sefton Open is an annual exhibition celebrating the creativity and artistic talent across the borough. The exhibition takes over The Atkinson’s art gallery in an eclectic salon-style hang and features a wide variety of works from individual artists and local groups. Each year the exhibition attracts thousands of visitors to The Atkinson.

The Atkinson’s longstanding partner, Southport Palette Club, select the work from individual artists for the Sefton Open. The club was formed in 1921 to champion the work of local artists and this will be their 100th annual exhibition at The Atkinson.

A wide variety of media is welcomed, including film, sculpture, craft, paintings, prints and textiles. Artists may submit up to 3 original artworks for consideration by Southport Palette Club.

Visitors to the exhibition can purchase catalogues and are encouraged to vote for their favourite artwork on display. The artwork with the most votes will be awarded The People’s Prize. Visitors can also support local artists by investing in their work, most artworks are available to purchase through The Atkinson and the Own Art Scheme.

Download entry form: PDF / Word

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About Southport Palette Club

Southport Palette Club is an historic group founded in 1921 by artists including Percy Lancaster and Philip Connard RA. Their sole intention was to host an annual exhibition to promote local artists. The bond between The Atkinson and Southport Palette Club was formed at this time when Curator H.P. Hugill became the first chairman. Today, Southport Palette Club select works to be displayed in The Atkinson’s annual Sefton Open exhibition. 

The Sefton Open 2026 will present Southport Palette Club’s 100th exhibition at The Atkinson. 

In advance of The Sefton Open 2026, Southport Palette Club Council Members are holding an exhibition on The Landing at The Atkinson to showcase their own work (24 Jan – 7 Mar 2026). 

If you would like to become an integral supporter of local artists from just £10, please consider becoming one of Southport Palette Club’s ‘100 Patrons for 100 Years’. For more information please contact southportpaletteclub@gmail.com

Southport Palette Club

President: Brian Lewis  

Chairman: Peter Owen  

Treasurer: Chris Hughes  

Secretary: Jane Hunt 

Council Members: Bev Bush, Sam Cookson, Carole Dawber, Martin Dawber, Fred Sumner, Jemma Tynan.

Call for Artists

Download entry form: PDF / Word

Artwork hand-in day: Monday 16 March 2026. 11am – 7pm.

Current Exhibitions

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Saturday 07 March 2026 -
Saturday 21 March 2026

Southport
Photographic
Society

EXHIBIT INFO