• EVERY THING MUST GO is inspired by ‘things that are no longer with us’

• Over 80 paintings and other artworks, with subjects ranging from extinct animals to deceased celebrities  

• Exhibition opens on Wednesday 29 July and admission is free.  

The first major solo art exhibition by comedian Joe Lycett opens to the public at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday 29 July 2026.

EVERY THING MUST GO, which includes more than 80 paintings and artworks in other media such as stained glass, photography, ceramics, sculpture and screenprints, is inspired by ‘things that are no longer with us’.  

The centrepiece is an (almost) life-size pink woolly mammoth sculpture called Martin from Hull, made with British wool that has been hand rugged by cast members from the series of The Great British Sewing Bee hosted by Joe.

The eclectic cast of subjects ranges from extinct animals and demolished buildings to deceased celebrities and discontinued chocolate bars, transforming the gallery into a vibrant and immersive exploration of nostalgia, memory, grief and loss.

Visitors can expect to see many familiar faces represented in Lycett’s distinctive, colourful manner and with his irreverent trademark wit, from Amy Winehouse to Benjamin Zephaniah.  

The bold salon-style exhibition fills the space with what the artist describes as a “neon graveyard”, combining humour with genuine reflection, inviting audiences to consider how people, places, objects and memories shape our collective identity.

Joe has collaborated with a number of artists and creatives to produce artworks for the show including Dion Kitson, Faisal Hussain, Hannah Al-Shemmeri, Helen Lycett, Imbue, James Turner of Stirchley Printworks, Khuram Mirza, Lara O’Toole, Molly Cleaver, Primo Antoniazzi, and Tom Bird.

This exhibition marks a significant new chapter in Lycett’s artistic career. While widely known for his award-winning work in television and comedy, his visual art has been exhibited at galleries and museums across the UK, including the Royal Academy of Arts, National Portrait Gallery and Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.  

EVERY THING MUST GO is his largest and most ambitious exhibition to date.

Joe Lycett said:

“I’m thrilled to finally open the doors to EVERY THING MUST GO. It’s essentially a giant celebration of dead and lost stuff and things that probably shouldn’t have disappeared in the first place.  

“There are more than 80 artworks, including paintings and other media, a huge pink woolly mammoth, unexpected artefacts and collaborations with local artists.  

“I’m incredibly proud to be showing this exhibition in my home city of Birmingham and I hope visitors leave feeling a bit overwhelmed, delighted and slightly confused.”

Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said:

“We are excited to welcome Joe Lycett back to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery for his first major solo exhibition. Joe’s creativity, humour and deep affection for Birmingham shine through every aspect of this project.

“EVERY THING MUST GO is playful, thought-provoking and visually spectacular. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience Joe’s artistic practice on an unprecedented scale and demonstrates how museums can connect contemporary culture and our shared heritage in novel ways.”

The exhibition opens to the public on Wednesday 29 July 2026 and runs until 21 February 2027. General admission is free. For opening times, visit the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery website.