First major solo exhibition of paintings by Joe Lycett to open at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery

Brummie comedian and TV host, Joe Lycett, has also, more recently, become known for his artworks. Pieces created by Lycett are set to go on display this summer at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery in his first major solo exhibition. ‘Everything Must Go’ which opens in July will explore the theme of ‘things no longer with us’; which will include deceased celebrities, discontinued chocolate bars, extinct animals and destroyed buildings. Bringing his comedic edge to his artwork, Lycett aims to overwhelm and delight with a “neon graveyard”, which includes a tribute to Birmingham institution SNOBS.

An exhibition of Lycett's work will go on display from July 2026

Over the last twelve months, Lycett has reportedly been busy producing works that “celebrate nostalgia, grief and loss”, explains Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery (BMAG) in a press release. Inspired by objects from the city of Birmingham’s collection, ‘Everything Must Go’ will exhibit together dozens of never-seen-before pieces.

“The ambitious new mixed media exhibition will include subjects such as deceased celebrities, discontinued chocolate bars, extinct animals and destroyed buildings, presented in Lycett’s usual tongue-in-cheek and childlike style.

“The bold salon display of Lycett’s latest paintings filling the gallery walls will reflect on memory and cultural change through humour, a striking visual approach and distinctly Brummie perspective.”

Speaking about the new exhibition, Joe said: “I’m honoured and delighted to be exhibiting in the superb Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, right in the centre of the best city in the world. I'm hoping to create a sort of neon graveyard which will overwhelm, delight and confuse gallery-goers. Expect colourful and silly depictions of loads of dead stuff.”

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust added: “We are thrilled to welcome Joe Lycett back to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery with this major new exhibition. “His unique artistic style, combined with his deep connection to Birmingham, makes this a truly special project. Visitors can expect something visually spectacular, thought-provoking and full of personality.”

The exhibition opens to the public at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday 29^th July 2026, and general admission will be free of charge.