Collection Articles
Press Release - Oct 2022
The countdown is on to the opening of 'British Art Show 9'
The Box and three of Plymouth’s other top arts venues are counting down the days until the start of British Art Show 9 (BAS9).
History - Jul 2022
Making our 100 Journeys gallery more inclusive
The 100 Journeys gallery explores historic and ongoing voyages from Plymouth and showcases our world cultures, art, and archival collections in displays themed around specific journeys. We've been reviewing our displays to ensure that they are more inclusive and representative of more people. This work forms part of our commitment to anti-racism and decolonising our collections.
News - May 2022
Gertrude Benham: A woman of many mountains
A tiger puppet from Myanmar can currently be see on display in the ‘Zadie Xa: Long ago when tigers smoked’ exhibition, and it's one of over 800 objects donated to Plymouth’s collections in 1934 by Gertrude Emily Benham (1867-1937). Benham was a remarkable traveller and record breaking mountaineer who journeyed around the world at the beginning of the 1900s. Here's her story.
News - May 2022
Bags of style
The ‘Dress Code – Fashion Stories from The Box’ exhibition includes a number of items from our costume accessories collection, and features a section which looks at how jewellery, shoes, bags and more have been used throughout the centuries to enhance an outfit as well as communicate someone’s identity and status. These three bags can be seen on display in the exhibition and each have a story to tell.
Art - May 2022
Labelled by Dail Behennah
In response to the ‘Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945’ exhibition, we’re highlighting some of the female artists and sculptors in The Box’s collections. ‘Labelled’ by Dail Behennah was a beautiful installation inspired by our natural history collections that was displayed on the former Museum and Art Gallery’s half landing from February 2009 until March 2010.
Art - Apr 2022
Plymouth Porcelain: A New Collection by Clare Twomey
Inspired by the 'Breaking the Mould: Sculpture by Women since 1945' exhibition, we're shining a light on some of the female sculptors and artists in The Box's collections. ‘Plymouth Porcelain: A New Collection’ was originally unveiled on the former Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery’s balcony in 2012 and was created by leading ceramic artist, Clare Twomey.
Art - Feb 2022
The Box’s 2022 Maureen Attrill Bursary awarded to volunteer
A volunteer has secured a special research bursary awarded by The Box each year in memory of a former long-serving curator.
Press Release - Feb 2022
Megafauna archaeological finds discovered in Devon
A mammoth, rhino and wolf are among the amazing artefacts uncovered at Sherford.
Art - Dec 2021
Things to look forward to in 2022 #1
Despite surprises and challenges we've had a great 2021 at The Box. Let's take a look at a few of the things we've got to look forward to in early 2022...
News - Oct 2021
Plymouth and early sugar processing
As part of Black History Month 2021, our Curator of Archaeology looks at Plymouth’s connections with the sugar trade.
Press Release - Oct 2021
New painting joins The Box’s collections thanks to generous gift
The Box is delighted to have acquired a new painting for its permanent art collection from the estate of artist Jean Jones (1927-2012).
Press Release - Apr 2021
Art collections at The Box boosted by new contemporary acquisitions
The Contemporary Art Society has donated three works of art to The Box’s permanent collections. Plymouth’s major new museum, art gallery and archive has acquired a film and a diptych by multidisciplinary artist duo, Quinlan & Hastings. It’s also acquired a stunning porcelain work by Haitian-American artist, Morel Doucet.