Art Articles
Art - Aug 2023
'Jib' and 'Barquentine' by Margaret Lovell
Lovell's works vary in size from miniature to monumental. The two pieces we are highlighting here are inspired by sailing and are bronzes - a material she is renowned for using. They were acquired following a career-defining retrospective exhibition of Lovell's work at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery in 1972.
Press Release - Aug 2023
The Triumph of Art: The Box announced as UK partner for National Gallery's bicentenary commission with artist Jeremy Deller
The Triumph of Art, the National Gallery’s commission to round off its Bicentenary year, has announced the partners it will be working with, to develop, produce and deliver the project - and The Box is one of them. Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller will be celebrating festivals, gatherings, and art in the public realm, in this UK-wide performance work.
Press Release - Aug 2023
A painting exchange with Saltram House
As part of our programme to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Sir Joshua Reynolds (16 July 1723-23 February 1792), The Box has partnered with The National Trust at Saltram House, in Plympton to exchange works from our collections.
Press Release - Aug 2023
Rana Begum on Sir Joshua Reynolds
As well as over 30 spectacular works by Sir Joshua Reynolds, our major 'Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration' exhibition features three brand new works by artist Rana Begum. The paintings came about after Begum undertook a research visit to The Box. Each one responds to a different Reynolds portrait, although not in a literal sense. These new works explore the effect of one colour against another, the impact of light and how Reynolds created depth, movement and drama. Listen to these video clips, taken from a recording session in Begum's studio, to discover what inspired her.
Art - Jul 2023
'Cookworthy, Body Sherds and Plymouth Rock' by Paul Scott
Have you spotted this brilliant example of contemporary craft which is on show in the giant display case in our 'People and Place: Art Collection Showcase' exhibition? It’s part of a 2014 commission by internationally renowned ceramic artist, Paul Scott which was supported by the Contemporary Art Fund.
Art - Jul 2023
'Dartmoor China Clay' by Jean Jones
This vibrant painting of a Devon scene is a recent addition to the permanent art collection at The Box and can be seen on display throughout 2023 in our 'People and Place: Art Collection Showcase' exhibition.
Press Release - Jun 2023
The Box joins national 20/20 project aimed at investing in diverse artists
The Box has joined a national commissioning and network programme that is directly investing in the careers of a new generation of ethnically minoritised and diverse artists.
Press Release - May 2023
'Dig for Victory' dress
The dress was gifted to our collections in 1996 and dates from 1939-1945. It’s an example of mid-20th century fashion as well as a piece of propaganda, and you can see it in a huge case featuring hundreds of objects from our decorative art collection in our ‘People and Place’ exhibition.
Art - May 2023
‘Card Table’ by Wilhelmina Barns-Graham
Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (1912-2004) was one of the most significant British female artists of the twentieth century. She was born in St Andrews, Scotland but after relocating to St Ives she became one of the central figures there. This work is an oil on hardboard dating from the late 1960s and was gifted to our collections in 1976 by the Contemporary Art Society.
Art - May 2023
Reynolds 300: Portrait of Samuel Reynolds
The Reverend Samuel Reynolds (1681-1745), was the School Master of Plympton St Maurice Grammar School. Most importantly, he's a father who played a pivotal role in his child’s life and future career.
Art - May 2023
Reynolds 300: Portrait of Elizabeth Limeburner
Like the enigmatic smile on this young woman’s face, there is more to this portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds than meets the eye.
Art - May 2023
Reynolds 300: Portrait of Lady Ann Bonfoy
This gorgeous portrait dating from the 1750s and depicting a woman in a green and pink dress is part of our ‘Port Eliot Collection’. The woman is Lady Ann Bonfoy (nee Eliot) - the eldest daughter of Richard Eliot (1694-1748) and his wife Harriot (sometimes written as Harriet) (1713-1769).