British comedian, television presenter, and artist Joe Lycett is stepping further into the art world with the launch of his first major solo exhibition, EVERY THING MUST GO, at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery. Featuring more than 80 artworks across multiple mediums, the exhibition explores themes of nostalgia, memory, grief, and loss while encouraging visitors to embrace creativity. Lycett hopes his work will inspire people to pick up a paintbrush themselves, proving that art is for everyone, not just professional artists.
From Comedy Stage to Art Gallery
Although Joe Lycett is widely recognized for his stand-up comedy and television work, painting has become an increasingly important part of his creative life. Over the years, his artwork has appeared in respected galleries, but EVERY THING MUST GO marks his largest and most ambitious exhibition to date.
The exhibition showcases more than 80 pieces, including paintings, stained glass, ceramics, photography, sculptures, and screenprints. At its center stands an almost life-size pink woolly mammoth sculpture named Martin from Hull, created with British wool and hand-rugged by cast members from The Great British Sewing Bee, a program previously hosted by Lycett.
Celebrating Things That Have Disappeared
The exhibition is inspired by “things that are no longer with us.” Visitors will encounter colorful portrayals of extinct animals, demolished buildings, discontinued chocolate bars, and well-known public figures who have passed away.
Rather than focusing solely on sadness, Lycett blends humor with reflection. His bold and playful style transforms the gallery into what he describes as a “neon graveyard,” inviting visitors to think about how memories, culture, and history continue to shape everyday life.
An Exhibition Designed to Spark Creativity
For Lycett, one of the exhibition’s biggest goals is encouraging others to create their own art.
He 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.”
He added: “There are more than 80 artworks, including paintings and other media, a huge pink woolly mammoth, unexpected artefacts and collaborations with local artists.”
Speaking about bringing the exhibition to his hometown, Lycett said: “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.”
A Proud Celebration of Birmingham
The exhibition also reflects Lycett’s strong connection to Birmingham. Alongside his own work, he collaborated with several local artists and creatives, making the project a celebration of both personal creativity and the city’s artistic community.
Sara Wajid and Zak Mensah, co-chief executives of Birmingham Museums Trust, praised the exhibition, saying: “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.”
They added: “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.”
Art That Encourages Everyone to Participate
Unlike traditional exhibitions that may feel intimidating, EVERY THING MUST GO aims to make art approachable. Through bright colors, familiar subjects, humor, and emotion, Lycett hopes visitors leave inspired not only by what they have seen but also by the idea that anyone can become an artist.
Running from 29 July 2026 until 21 February 2027, the free exhibition offers audiences an opportunity to experience Lycett’s unique artistic vision while celebrating creativity in all its forms.
Joe Lycett’s EVERY THING MUST GO represents an important milestone in his artistic career while reinforcing the idea that creativity belongs to everyone. By combining humor, nostalgia, and thoughtful storytelling, the exhibition transforms everyday memories into colorful works of art. More importantly, Lycett hopes visitors leave inspired to explore their own creativity, proving that making art can be just as meaningful as viewing it.
