Art historian, John Francis, our guest editor gives his weekly Top Culture Picks.

Moving from glamorous Gstaad, it’s time to head for home. I grew up on Merseyside and was lucky enough to spend many a joyous hour in one of the finest art museums outside London: The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool.

EXPLORE the collection dating back to 1819 and featuring one of the largest collections of Pre-Raphaelite paintings in the UK 

ENGAGE and LISTEN to a 5 minute video featuring the five prize winners of the John Moores Painting Prize. An enlightening range of subjects from science fiction to narrative landscapes and visual memories. The competition is named after local businessman, Sir John Moores, who in 1957, wanted to shift the dominance of London’s art scene to Liverpool. The open competition showcases British painting every two years. Hockney, Blake, Hilton and Doig have been amongst the purchased prize winners since the competition started. 

STROLL around the virtual exhibition: John Moores Painting Prize to view all 67 original works

Image: 'Isabella' - John Everett Millais