Lady Lever Art Gallery

Art treasures of an Edwardian philanthropist

Sunlight Soap magnate William Hesketh Lever, the first Lord Leverhulme, founded the Lady Lever Art Gallery in 1922 and dedicated it to the memory of his wife. Set in the attractive garden village of Port Sunlight, also created by Lord Lever, the gallery is famous for its British 18th and 19th century paintings, 18th century furniture and an outstanding collection of Wedgwood. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful Chinese porcelain, tapestries and embroideries, Classical antiquities and memorabilia relating to Lord Leverhulme's fascination with Napoleon.

Besides the fine and decorative arts, Lord Leverhulme also collected items from many other disciplines. A special display within the gallery, 'William Hesketh Lever: collector and builder', shows the breadth of the first Lord Leverhulme's collecting passion, including Sunlight Soap pictures, Masonic regalia, architectural drawings, ethnographic items and African textiles.

Access for people with disabilities

The mezzanine floors of the gallery are only accessible by narrow staircases.