What better way to launch a new art space in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle than with an exhibition based around one of the most successful television programmes of all time, The Simpsons?

Constellations on Greenland Street, which opened last year as a garden venue, has taken its first steps into becoming an indoor venue too, with its warehouse-cum-art space, The Observatory.

The former warehouse has been spruced up with whitewash walls and a makeshift bar for its first exhibition, No Homers Club. And, on its launch night, the Simpsons-themed event was a resounding success.

No Homers Club at Constellations saw queues of avid fans of the cartoon family, all hoping to see multi-disciplined art from painters, sculptures, fashion designers, tattooists and Simpsons-inspired food and drink. This was a night of accessible art, beautifully presented and with a dose of humour that left everybody with a smile on their faces.

From mocked up film posters of cult hero Milhouse (or ‘Thrillhouse’ as the artwork declared) to accurate replicas of Marge’s pink Chanel dress, the artists picked up on a mix of some of the most-loved Simpsons moments and forgotten gems from episodes that are over 20 years old.

The launch night also saw a makeover of the Constellations yard, with the highlight a Flaming Moes tavern and a barman dressed as the pub landlord. While the drinks were sweet and tasty – perfectly mimicking the cough syrup-infused drink from the series, many patrons were queueing simply to hear a prank call come through the phone behind the bar. The running joke from early episodes was taken gamely by the barman, who entertained by taking to a megaphone to ask for classics such as ‘Amanda Huggenkiss’ and ‘Mike Rotch’.

From a Lard Lads Donut stand from Albion Bakehouse to Liverpool Craft Beer company’s summery limited edition ‘Cause and Solution’ beer, the event was a brilliant homage to the enduringly popular series. The artwork was often subtle, always well-observed and occasionally laugh-out-loud funny and the night was run like clockwork by the exhibition team.

As a venue for art exhibitions Constellations has hit its stride early. Never over-shadowing art, it was a lively and comfortable venue to enjoy an evening and The Observatory is a warehouse that almost could have been designed for such an occasion.

Large enough to house a DJ – the music was a Simpsons medley from Organ Freeman – the versatile venue will suit a variety of events, shows, nights and exhibitions. For example, No Homers Club on Friday 17 April was followed by a weekend of craft and other activities. The exhibition itself could have been a success over a few weeks and the three-day run seems short in hindsight.

However, No Homers Club was the perfect way to launch The Observatory as an event space. Comfortable in its Baltic Triangle home, Constellations is becoming one of the most exciting cultural spaces in an already thriving Liverpool scene.

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