Britain’s comedy legends are the stars of a new Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery exhibition – I photograph comedians! by Andy Hollingworth.
The major photographic exhibition showcases some of the UK’s best-loved from past and present and runs at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s Gas Hall until May 31.
I photograph comedians! by Andy Hollingworth features over 80 studio portraits, video clips and memorabilia including Rik Mayall’s underpants and favourites from the cast of ‘Allo ‘Allo to Maisie Adam.
It’s a culmination of 30 years’ of work by passionate photographer Andy, who fell into it after taking a photo of his grandfather’s favourite comic, Charlie Williams, and went on to snap Victoria Wood before some of the most famous comedians in the world.
He captures both rare contemplative moments off-stage and energetic live stage performances. For Birmingham, the exhibition has a new West Midlands section with a line-up including Jasper Carrott and Stewart Lee plus never-seen-before portraits of Lenny Henry, Joe Lycett, Jo Enright and Shazia Mirza.
Kings Heath’s Joe Lycett has lent his teddy suit made of soft toys for the exhibition and there is also a 1984 tour jacket from Dudley’s Lenny Henry. Victoria Wood’s Dinner Ladies costume can be seen plus the ‘accordian’ handbag belonging to Janice Connolly’s comedy creation Mrs Barbara Nice.
Produced by Showtown, the museum of fun and entertainment in Blackpool, it
celebrates some of the iconic comedy greats who entertained for decades, including Ken Dodd, Sean Lock, Rik Mayall and Victoria Wood, alongside portraits of current, established and rising stars, such as Maisie Adam, Rhod Gilbert, Rosie Jones, Sarah Millican and Paul Smith.
Along with costumes, there are backstage passes, programmes and tickets on display. Eric Morecambe’s wallet that contained Morecambe and Wise’s first review – a rather negative one. It can be seen alongside Tommy Cooper’s running order and there’s even Hancock’s blood donor script.
Photographer Andy said: “I’m delighted that this retrospective of my work is being displayed in Birmingham, a city that has produced and been associated with many notable comedians over the years.
“I’m excited to be involved in the programme of events running alongside the
exhibition and to have the opportunity to share stories and insights from my 30-year career.”
You can watch Andy give a tour around the exhibition here.
Events alongside the comedy exhibition
A programme of events exploring comedy and creativity will run alongside the
exhibition, including artists’ workshops, film screenings and talks.
Drawing Comedians with Milan Topalovic is a three-hour workshop led by the
Birmingham-based artist on Sunday March 1. During the session, Milan will guide participants step-by-step in recreating one of Andy Hollingworth’s iconic shots to produce their very own unique artwork. All materials will be provided and entry to the exhibition is included in the ticket price.
Experimental photographer Tom Godwin will be leading a pinhole photography
workshop on Sunday March 22 in which participants will learn how to make their own camera using recycled drinks cans from the museum’s tearoom, capture images and develop photographs using sustainable, homemade developer recipes made from everyday ingredients. The event also includes a short introductory tour of the exhibition.
The film programme includes a screening of the documentary The Last Dance of the Cuckoos, on Saturday March 28 in which Andy Hollingworth takes Stan Laurel’s hat from Stan’s birthplace in Cumbria to Cobh in County Cork, the harbour town that welcomed Laurel & Hardy with joy in September 1953. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Andy and the filmmaker Matt Holt.
Andy Hollingworth will also be giving a special talk at a ‘meet the photographer’
event on Saturday April 18, when he will be sharing funny anecdotes, behind-the-
scenes stories and candid insights from photographing comedians, revealing the realities of fame and the moments that happen off-stage and out of the spotlight.
Meanwhile, Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery’s regular Comedy at the Museum night sees Shappi Khorsandi headlining on March 7.
Info on I photograph comedians exhibition
I photograph comedians! Photography by Andy Hollingworth is open until May 31, 2026 from Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm, at Gas Hall. It is also open daily during holidays.
Tickets cost £9 Adult, £5 Concession and free for children up to the age 15(maximum 3 children per accompanying adult).