Collection Articles

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 - Apr 2023
Bernard Moore: Small animal ceramics
These bright and perfectly formed porcelain pieces are particularly popular with our younger visitors looking for nature in art. They were created using innovative methods that potter Bernard Moore became known for.

Art - Apr 2023
‘Friend in my Studio’ by Rose Hilton
Rose Hilton (1931-2019) was the fourth of eight children born to Julia and Robert Phipps in Kent in August 1931. This pink-hued work is called ‘Friend in My Studio’. It was painted in 1978/9 and acquired for Plymouth’s collections in 1979 with the support of the V&A’s Purchase Grant Fund.

Press Release - Mar 2023
60 years of television history digitised and preserved for the public in libraries across the UK
The Box is delighted to be part of BFI Replay – a UK-wide initiative that is offering free access to 60 years of screen history in libraries across the country.

Press Release - Mar 2023
Castor and Pollux Dish
This large purple dish with a design that features two figures is inspired by a beautiful Greek myth. Make sure you take a look at it when you visit our 'People and Place: Art Collection Showcase'.

Art - Mar 2023
'Fishing Boat, St Ives' by Margo Maeckelberghe
Margo Maeckelberghe (1932-2014) was born Margo Try in Penzance. She studied at Penzance School of Art and then at Bath School of Art, both of which were thriving artistic environments. This work is titled ‘Fishing Boat, St Ives’ and was acquired for Plymouth’s fine art collection in 1967.

Press Release - Mar 2023
International Women's Day: Top Ten
In honour of this year's International Women's Day, here's a female-themed 'top ten' for you to look out for next time you visit The Box.

Press Release - Feb 2023
Hakutai (A Thousand Years)
Japan has a distinct and varied culture that blends age-old traditions with cutting-edge technology and creativity, and this object which you can see in our 'People and Place: Art Collection Showcase' exhibition is a very modern work which has been made using an ancient technique.

Art - Feb 2023
'Fern Colour' by Kate Nicholson
Kate Nicholson (1929-2019) came from a family of painters who all worked with the traditional subject of still life, but in very innovative ways. This vibrant oil on canvas was purchased from the artist for our fine art collections in 1958.

Press Release - Feb 2023
Is this Elizabeth I's signature?
We're displaying a famous portrait of Queen Elizabeth I in our '100 Journeys' gallery throughout 2023. The painting is on loan from The Woburn Abbey Collection and is show alongside materials relating to Sir Francis Drake. We also have a small number of items in our collections relating to Elizabeth I, including a book we believe she actually signed.

Press Release - Feb 2023
Discover 'The World of Stonehenge'
Plymouth Archaeology Society is delighted to be hosting a talk at the University of Plymouth on 6 March by Dr Neil Wilkin, British Museum Curator of Early Europe.