Seven artists picked for Paul O'Grady exhibition

1 day ago

Lynette HorsburghNorth West

News image — Paul O'Grady rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage

PA Media The late Paul O'Grady dressed as his alter-ego Lily Savage in a theatrical costume sits sideways on a wooden chair in a living room beside a large antique gramophone. The costume includes an oversized white wig, leopard-print gown with sequined detailing, long black gloves, pearl jewelry, and black heels. One arm is raised in a dramatic gesture while framed artwork hangs on the wall behind and a wooden door stands to the right. — Paul O'Grady rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage

New portraits of Lily Savage and Buster the dog as well as new canine ceramic figurines are among artworks set to go on show in an exhibition celebrating Paul O'Grady's life.

The new works are commissions from seven artists, chosen after an open call for You Gotta Get a Gimmick: Paul O'Grady Story at the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum in Birkenhead.

The late TV star's husband, Andre Portasio, is the creative director of the exhibition, which will open on 11 December.

Andre said Paul would have "loved" the fact the new works will become part of the gallery's permanent collection and that his story had inspired "new voices, new ideas and new work that will live on beyond the exhibition".

He said: "Paul had an extraordinary ability to connect with people from every walk of life, while always remaining completely himself.

"He gave visibility to voices and communities that were too often overlooked, and showed you should never be afraid of who you are or where you come from.

"That is why I am so proud to support these artists and to see them respond to Paul's life and legacy through their own creativity and experiences.

"Knowing that these new works will become part of the Williamson's permanent collection feels particularly special - Paul's story inspiring new voices, new ideas and new work that will live on beyond the exhibition.

"I think he would have loved that."

Ben Youdan handout Black-and-white studio portrait of artist Ben Youdan with a shaved head and a short upright mohawk, looking over one shoulder toward the camera. He is wearing layered chain necklaces and a dark jacket against a solid black background, with dramatic high-contrast lighting highlighting facial features and the hairstyle. — Artist Ben Youdan said it was an "incredible honour" to be commissioned to make an artwork for the exhibition

Artist Alison Friend said being chosen to create a portrait of the late tv star's beloved canine companion Buster the dog "means such a lot".

"We loved Lily in our house - I mean what an icon.

"I have such fond memories of visiting my mum and we'd sit and watch For The Love Of Dogs together.

"I never imagined years later I'd be making a painting for this show celebrating his life.

"My mum would have been so excited and so proud."

She said there would be a nod to Lily Savage in her painting of "Paul's little shadow" and to his "dedication to and compassion for rescue dogs".

Alison Friend handout Artist Alison Friend wearing a baseball cap and glasses. Wooden paneling and art materials are visible in the background, and the image is presented in a sepia-toned style. — "We loved Lily in our house," said Alison Friend

Artist Ben Youdan said being commissioned to make an artwork for the project was an "incredible honour".

"From seeing Lily Savage on stage as a teenager and being inspired by Paul's punk, richly colourful and unapologetic approach to his life and art, this genuinely represents a 'full circle' moment for me."

He added that he was thrilled to be selected to be the next artist in residence at the gallery.

Jayne Compton, executive producer of the display, said the commissions would celebrate Paul O'Grady's life and lasting contribution, while "continuing his legacy of supporting artists and amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices within British cultural life".

"The impact of Paul's influence is reflected in the breadth of artistic forms and the intergenerational perspectives represented in these commissions."

PA Media Paul O'Grady and his dog Buster arriving for the 2005 National Television Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London. He is in a black tuxedo and bow tie holding a Buster on a lead. The dog has a light-coloured curly coat and looks toward the camera. — There is a new portrait in the exhibition of Paul O'Grady's beloved dog Buster

O'Grady was born in 1955 in Birkenhead and brought up in a close-knit Irish Catholic household in Tranmere.

He started out as a social worker before rising to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage.

He went on to present BBC One game show Blankety Blank and other entertainment programmes as well as chat shows and For the Love of Dogs.

He died on 28 March 2023 from a sudden cardiac arrhythmia at home in Kent at the age of 67.

You Gotta Get a Gimmick: Paul O'Grady Story opens 11 December and runs throughout 2027.

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