Blog article Articles
News - May 2025
How it started v How it's going - Part Two
Can you remember what your workplace looked like nearly ten years ago? Now we’ve welcomed our millionth visitor, and as we prepare for what we hope will be a busy summer, we’re back with a second look at how much things have changed since we turned the former City Museum and Art Gallery, Central Library building and St Luke's church into The Box. In this post, we look at some of the spaces on our first floor as well as the exterior of our main building.
History - May 2025
VE Day 80: Make Do and Remember Through Wartime Wardrobes
As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May, we’re taking a look at some of the items in the collections held at The Box that reflect the everyday resilience of civilians on the home front.
Reimagining the Film Archive: Milestones - Apr 2025
Launch of 'Rituals of the Roadways' by Libby Bove
It's been one month since the launch of 'Rituals of the Roadways', the latest digital commission from the Reimagining the Film Archive (RtFA) programme. Created by South West-based artist Libby Bove, this captivating moving image work invites audiences to explore the intersections of folklore, memory, and ritual, reimagining the past through a contemporary lens.
Archives - Mar 2025
Advocating for the future while working with the past
Kathryn Price, The Box's Archives and Records Management Apprentice explores environmental sustainability in archives.
Reimagining the Film Archive; Spotlight - Mar 2025
Spotlight on 'Shanka' by Arun Sood
As part of The Box Plymouth's Reimagining the Film Archive programme, Arun Sood's short film 'Shankha', was screened in The Box's Media Lab gallery from January-March 2025. It brought attention to the power of music in the lives of displaced individuals thanks to a poignant collaboration with British-Asian vocalist Satnam Galsian. In this conversation, Satnam reflects on the significance of the traditional folk song 'Jutti Kasoori' and the powerful emotions it conveys.
Collections - Mar 2025
Inspired by Smeaton's Tower
As we get ready to re-open Smeaton's Tower for summer 2025, we're taking a look at some of the items on display in our Port gallery that have either been inspired by or connected to key moments in the story of this iconic lighthouse.
Art - Mar 2025
'March Sky, Cape Cornwall' by Karl Weschke
This abstract, atmospheric painting is called ‘March Sky, Cape Cornwall’. It was acquired for Plymouth's permanent art collection in 1964 and painted two years before this. German-born artist Karl Weschke led an extraordinary life, many years of which were spent living in Cornwall.
Reimagining the Film Archive; Spotlight - Mar 2025
Spotlight on 'Plymouth Hoe' by Megan Roberts
We take a look at how Megan Roberts, recipient of the Emerging Artist Commission as part of the 'Reimagining the Film Archive' (RtFA) programme, responds to power and class within the Moving Image collection through her piece 'Plymouth Hoe'. Through a blend of archival footage and contemporary voices, the film reflects on how public spaces like Plymouth Hoe have transformed over time, serving as sites of resilience, renewal, and connection.
Reimagining the Film Archive: Discoveries - Mar 2025
Celebrating Sir Wesley Winfield Hall: A cricketing legend
In our recent RTFA discovery, we've discovered a clip featuring former cricketer and politician Sir Wesley Winfield Hall, born in Barbados on September 12, 1937. At 86 Wes Hall is celebrated as a legend in the cricket world for his fierce bowling techniques and tall stature.
Collections - Mar 2025
Carnivalesque in the Far South West
The display cases in our Active Archives gallery are currently full of information and objects that explore the theme of carnival and its related traditions in the South West. They've been created in response to our 'John Lyons: Carnivalesque' exhibition and include some brilliant loans from local organisations and individuals as well as items from The Box. Here are five objects from the collections to look out for next time you visit!
Collections - Mar 2025
Carnival Queen costume
The Carnival Queen is usually the star of any carnival procession and this 1930s costume once worn by 'Miss Plymouth' can be seen on display in our 'Carnivalesque in the Far South West' display until 23 March. Discover more about it and the woman who wore it.
News - Feb 2025
How it started v How it's going - Part One
As we get closer to welcoming our millionth visit, and start thinking about how we're going to celebrate our fifth birthday this autumn, we thought we'd take a look back and remind ourselves just how far we've come since the Museum and Art Gallery, former Central Library building and St Luke's closed so The Box could be created. In this post, we're taking a look at some of the spaces on our ground floor. Let's step back in time!