Collection Articles

History - Jan 2021

There's a human story behind every object

The police have been an important part of our frontline workforce over the last year – not just here in the UK, but in other parts of the world too. This police truncheon and whistle were donated to our collections in early 2020 by a Mr Brookshaw. We believe they once belonged to a man called Sidney Hannam, who passed away 80 years ago, on 13 January 1941.

Natural History - Oct 2020

Displaying insects & biodiversity

We have over 100,000 insects in our collections at The Box, and we wanted to reflect this in the new natural history gallery, Mammoth.

News - May 2020

Capturing and recording these unprecedented times

We’re living through a historic time. A time which, just like the First and Second World Wars, we and the generations who follow us will remember, debate, study and commemorate.

Art - Apr 2020

Culture in Quarantine, 30 April 2020: A Rainbow of Art

Have you been seeing rainbows? In windows all around Plymouth, as well as the UK, USA, Canada and Europe, children and adults have been crafting rainbows. They're connecting neighbours and communities whilst social distancing measures are in place, and helping to show support for our amazing frontline workers.

News - Apr 2020

Behind The Scenes, 24 April 2020: Cabinets of Curiosities

Since 2016, the Collections Assistants at The Box have been diligently working on a project to explore and document three old wooden cabinets filled with art prints.