Skip to main content
  • Art from outdoor workshops in the Dunes
  • This is an exhibition of work created in the sand dunes along the Sefton Coast.
  • Drawing, painting, cyanotype and porcelain workshops.
  • Celebrating this incredible coastline and some of the endangered species it supports.

The National Lottery-funded Back from the Brink project is one of the most ambitious conservation initiatives ever undertaken. Its aim – to save 20 species from extinction and benefit over 200 more through 19 projects that span England; from the tip of Cornwall to Northumberland.

It’s the first time ever that so many conservation organisations have come together with one focus in mind – to bring back from the brink of extinction some of England’s most threatened species of animal, plant and fungi…And the Sefton Coast is part of this ambitious scheme.

During the summer, in the dunes along the Sefton Coast, artists Sian Hughes and Sarah Jane Richards led workshops alongside the Gems in the Dunes team, who shared their knowledge and experience. Over 60 people took part in the painting, drawing, cyanotype and porcelain workshops to record and reflect on the endangered species this dune system supports.

Participants commented:

‘I loved everything about it – especially the wonderful flora and exhilarating sea air’.

They were amazed at the variety of species hidden in the Dunes and were inspired to look more closely at places they would normally walk through but not connect with.

This excitement and inspiration is reflected in the vibrant artwork they produced.

Come along to the Opening Event on the 17th October at 2pm to see the work that was created.

The Exploring the Dunes Exhibition is on in The Atkinson Library, Southport from 17th – 30th October 2019.

This project is part of the Back from the Brink, a nationwide project saving England’s most endangered species from extinction and funded by the National Lottery Fund For more information visit naturebftb.co.uk

Latest News

VIEW ALL
9 July 2026

Humanitarian, inspirational speaker and tennis coach Sam Jalloh presents new ‘Yes I Can’ show in Southport

Award-winning humanitarian, inspirational speaker and tennis coach Sam Jalloh will be presenting his brand-new show on Friday

8 July 2026

Sefton Young Artist of the Year 2026: Winners Announced!

We are delighted to announce the winners and highly commended young artists of this year's Sefton Young Artist of the Year competition.

7 July 2026

Southport's Golfing History

6 July 2026

Summer Reading Challenge

This year’s challenge is Read to the Beat!, delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries and powered by Universal Music Group UK.

1 July 2026

Join our team:
Customer Assistants

We’re looking for friendly and reliable Customer Assistants to join our team. Could it be you?

25 June 2026

The Atkinson Celebrates Armed Forces Day

The Atkinson is proud to join the celebrations of Armed Forces Day and will be partially open on Sunday for a day of remembrance and discovery.

13 June 2026

Inspirations: Poetry & Creative Writing Competition 2026

Respond to artworks in our Taking Centre Stage: Female Artists in The Atkinson’s Collection Exhibition and win prizes donated by the Arts Society Southport.

9 June 2026

Southport:
That’s Entertainment

The Atkinson awarded National Lottery Heritage Fund grant to explore Southport’s seaside entertainment heritage

3 June 2026

Young Curator Summer Sessions Sign Up Now Open!

Sign up for this years Young Curator Summer sessions!

2 June 2026

The Sefton Open 2026: A Student's Perspective

A guest review by University of Liverpool Work Placement student, Niamh Humphrey. 

21 May 2026

Joanne Chamberlain awarded Bene Merito honorary distinction

In recognition of outstanding service to the Polish community in Sefton.

14 May 2026

Observer Anthony Burgess Prize for Arts Journalism 2026

Julia Clayton is named runner-up for her feature on The Atkinson 150th Anniversary Exhibition

8 May 2026

Sefton Open 2026 Awards

The Sefton Open 2026 celebrates local artistic talent at The Atkinson, with People’s Prize and Judges’ favourites now announced.

1 May 2026

May We Entertain You? What's On This Month

From fascinating local history to family favourites, live music, tribute shows and top‑class comedy, May is packed with unmissable events. Here’s what to look forward to this month.

27 April 2026

New family theatre show ‘Ice Age Adventure Live’ premieres

Brace yourselves for a mammoth mission!

23 April 2026

World-class circus acts to ‘Roll up!’
in Southport for May Bank Holiday Big Top Festival  

8 April 2026

Don't Look Back In Anger: Marc Burrows Brings The Britpop Show to Southport

Award-winning writer, comedian and music journalist Marc Burrows is delighted to be bringing The Britpop Show to The Atkinson.

25 March 2026

Easter Weekend Opening Hours

Check out our updated opening hours for Easter weekend

24 March 2026

Blackeyed Theatre’s New Sherlock Holmes Thriller

Blackeyed Theatre are bringing major UK tour of Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty to The Atkinson

19 March 2026

Spectacular open-air ballroom Cristal Palace comes to Southport

Town Hall Gardens to be transformed into a glittering open-air ballroom for the spectacular Cristal Palace