Blog article Articles
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!
Reimagining the Film Archive: Discoveries - Feb 2025
Revisiting Woven Legacies: The Tapestry of Craft, Migration and Heritage
In the latest Reimagining the Film Archives (RtFA) discovery, we revisit a clip from the BFI Player: 'A Woven History: Exploring Craft, Migration and Legacy in the Varanasi Carpet Traditions'.
News - Feb 2025
Celebrating the Chinese New Year
The new moon on 29 January marked the beginning of the Chinese New Year. Traditions differ and evolve over time but, in an increasingly fragmented world, the main message behind the celebrations that take place is for people to come together and wish each other peace and prosperity for the year ahead. To mark the start of the Year of the Snake, here are some related items from The Box’s collections.
Reimagining the Film Archive; Spotlight - Dec 2024
Spotlight on Megan Roberts
Megan Roberts, or Meg, is a participatory filmmaker who helps communities tell their stories on their own terms. She passionately believes that bringing people together through civic joy can make communities stronger. Meg is also the second recipient of the Emerging Artist Commission as part of the Reimagining the Film Archive (RtFA) programme.
Reimagining the Film Archive; Spotlight - Dec 2024
Spotlight on Arun Sood
Arun Sood is a Scottish-Indian writer, musician, academic, and intermedia artist whose diverse work captivates audiences across multiple forms. The Box is thrilled to be working with him on an emerging artist commission. Arun's focus will be on Power and Class, highlighting its impact on the south west.