Major Birmingham photography exhibition to showcase comedy legends
A major photographic exhibition of some of the UK’s comedy legends past and present is opening at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery on Wednesday 18 February, 2026.
‘I photograph comedians!’ is a retrospective exhibition by British photographer Andy Hollingworth of nearly 80 images of studio portraits, rare contemplative moments off-stage and live stage performances.
Produced by Showtown, the museum of fun and entertainment in Blackpool, the exhibition celebrates some of the iconic comedy greats who entertained for decades.
The artists include, 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.
Local comedians from the West Midlands will be featured such as Jasper Carrott and Stewart Lee as well as brand new, never-seen-before portraits of Lenny Henry and Joe Lycett.
Other comedians such as Jo Enright and Shazia Mirza will also be in the exhibition.
Photographs of iconic objects such as Eric Morecambe’s pipe, Tommy Cooper’s fez and Billy Connolly’s banana boots also feature, alongside comedy memorabilia such as costumes, backstage passes, programmes and tickets.
Among items on display will be a tour jacket worn by Lenny Henry on his 1984 tour, a signed pair of Rik Mayall’s underpants and Joe Lycett’s teddy suit worn in the advertisement for series two of Late Night Lycett.
A digital interactive component will provide deeper insights into Hollingworth’s extensive archive, including clips of performances by Morecambe and Wise, Ken Dodd and Victoria Wood.
A programme of events exploring comedy and laughter will complement the exhibition, including a series of exhibition talks and lates.
Andy Hollingworth said: “This retrospective of my work over the last 30 years reflects the changing faces of comedy in the UK and my interaction with them.
“I’m delighted that it’s being displayed in Birmingham, a city that has produced and been associated with many notable comedians over the years and a vibrant comedy scene which includes the UK’s second longest running comedy festival.”
Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, said: “Andy Hollingworth’s unique connection with the comedians he works with is evident in the intimacy of his photographs.
“He has a distinctive style that captures the combination of onstage personas and backstage nerves and excitement - celebrating the performers and inviting audiences to see them from different points of view.”
They added: “We are particularly delighted that the exhibition celebrates local talent, featuring different generations of comedians from Birmingham and the West Midlands, as well as Joe Lycett’s costume and items connected with venues such as Birmingham Hippodrome, Birmingham Odeon and Wolverhampton’s Wulfrun and Civic Halls, showcasing the contribution the region makes to popular culture.”
