Joe Lycett might be best known for his comedy, but he’s proven a dab hand at painting too—having published his own book of satirical, celebrity portraits, Art Hole. But now he’s taking things to the next level as his first major solo exhibition opens at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in July.
Over the last twelve months, the Birmingham comedian has been busy producing works that celebrate nostalgia, grief and loss. Exploring the theme of ‘things that are no longer with us’ and inspired by objects from the city of Birmingham’s collection, EVERY THING MUST GO will bring together dozens of never-before-seen pieces.
Joe has previously exhibited his painting The Mona Lisa Scott-Lee featuring pop star Lisa Scott-Lee at BM&AG in late 2024 and early 2025. But the ambitious new mixed media exhibition will include subjects such as deceased celebrities, discontinued chocolate bars, extinct animals and destroyed buildings.
“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,” said Joe Lycett. “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.”
His work has previously appeared in the Royal Academy of Arts, National Portrait Gallery, Manchester Art Gallery, Ikon Gallery, MAC Birmingham, Bristol Arnolfini and Wolverhampton Art Gallery. Lycett’s latest paintings reflect themes of memory and cultural change through his usual tongue-in-cheek and distinctly Brummie style.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joe Lycett back to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery with this major new exhibition,” said Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust. “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.”
Joe Lycett’s EVERY THING MUST GO exhibition opens at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 and will be free of charge.
