Credit: Andy Hollingworth
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We all need a reminder to laugh in the winter months. A major photographic exhibition of some of the UK’s comedy legends, past and present, opens at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery in February. ‘I photograph comedians!’ is a retrospective exhibition by British photographer Andy Hollingworth.
The exhibition features nearly 80 images of studio portraits, rare contemplative moments off-stage and live stage performances. It features a strong local connection with local comedians, such as Jasper Carrott and Stewart Lee, as well as brand-new, never-before-seen portraits of Lenny Henry, Joe Lycett, Jo Enright, and Shazia Mirza.
Credit: Andy Hollingworth
Produced by Showtown, the museum of fun and entertainment in Blackpool, ‘I photograph comedians!’ celebrates iconic comedy greats who entertained for decades, like Ken Dodd, Sean Lock, Rik Mayall and Victoria Wood, alongside established and rising stars, such as Maisie Adam, Rhod Gilbert, Rosie Jones, Sarah Millican and Paul Smith.
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.
Credit: Andy Hollingworth
“This retrospective of my work over the last 30 years reflects the changing faces of comedy in the UK and my interaction with them,” said Andy Hollingworth. “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.”
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, which has recently been acquired for Birmingham’s own permanent collection.
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. Furthermore, a programme of events exploring comedy and laughter will complement the exhibition, including a series of exhibition talks and lates.
Credit: Andy Hollingworth
“Andy Hollingworth’s unique connection with the comedians he works with is evident in the intimacy of his photographs,” said Zak Mensah and Sara Wajid, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust. “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.
“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.”
‘I photograph comedians!’ by Andy Hollingworth will be on display in Gas Hall at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery from February 18 to May 31, 2026. Tickets are £9 for adults, £5 for concessions, while children aged up to 15 can visit for free.