Exhibition Articles
Art - Sep 2023
Reynolds' studio materials
Artist Sir Joshua Reynolds’ set up his first studio in Plymouth Dock (now Devonport) in the 1740s, and then established and ran a studio in the Leicester Square area of London. Thanks to archival documents and other items that still exist, we have a good insight into how they ran and how he created some of the many portraits he’s still known for today. Some of these materials are on display in our ‘Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration’ exhibition (until 29 October). Here’s a guide to what you can see!
Art - Sep 2023
Rana Begum in The Box
There are 11 different works in the 'Rana Begum: Dappled Light' exhibition (until 24 September), three of which can be seen in The Box's main building. As we head into the final fortnight for this visually stunning show, make sure you check them out when you visit!
Press Release - Sep 2023
The National Gallery's 'Dutch Flowers' and Yinka Shonibare CBE RA's 'End of Empire' to open at The Box in October
A new season of exhibitions and commissions launches at The Box in Plymouth this October with a nationally touring fine art exhibition and a thought-provoking sculpture. Both elements of the programme explore empire, trade and colonisation in different ways – with the aim of encouraging visitors to think about social and historical narratives from a different perspective.
Art - Sep 2023
Rana Begum in St Luke's
Artist Rana Begum works with a wide range of colours and materials, and the eight different pieces on display in St Luke’s demonstrate this brilliantly. Although you can’t touch them there’s plenty of space for you to move around them, to appreciate them from different viewpoints and angles and see how they interact with light.
Art - Sep 2023
Walking Trail: Reynolds' London
Although he maintained his links with the West Country throughout his life, Reynolds made London his home from the early 1750s. The places where he lived, worked and socialised were centred around Piccadilly and Leicester Square. This short walking tour connects some of the streets where he would have spent a great deal of his time, and follows a circular route that starts at finishes at Leicester Square tube station.
Art - Aug 2023
Wally Birds by the Martin Brothers
There are some weird and wonderful creatures perching within our giant display case but they are not from within our Natural History collection!
Press Release - Aug 2023
Behind the scenes: Creating exhibitions
We display up to 10 exhibitions a year at The Box - but have you ever wondered how we put them together? They can take months, sometimes years to plan and deliver. Here's an insight from some of the staff who've worked on our current shows.
Press Release - Aug 2023
A painting exchange with Saltram House
As part of our programme to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Sir Joshua Reynolds (16 July 1723-23 February 1792), The Box has partnered with The National Trust at Saltram House, in Plympton to exchange works from our collections.
Press Release - Aug 2023
Rana Begum on Sir Joshua Reynolds
As well as over 30 spectacular works by Sir Joshua Reynolds, our major 'Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration' exhibition features three brand new works by artist Rana Begum. The paintings came about after Begum undertook a research visit to The Box. Each one responds to a different Reynolds portrait, although not in a literal sense. These new works explore the effect of one colour against another, the impact of light and how Reynolds created depth, movement and drama. Listen to these video clips, taken from a recording session in Begum's studio, to discover what inspired her.
Art - Jul 2023
'Cookworthy, Body Sherds and Plymouth Rock' by Paul Scott
Have you spotted this brilliant example of contemporary craft which is on show in the giant display case in our 'People and Place: Art Collection Showcase' exhibition? It’s part of a 2014 commission by internationally renowned ceramic artist, Paul Scott which was supported by the Contemporary Art Fund.
Art - Jul 2023
'Dartmoor China Clay' by Jean Jones
This vibrant painting of a Devon scene is a recent addition to the permanent art collection at The Box and can be seen on display throughout 2023 in our 'People and Place: Art Collection Showcase' exhibition.
Press Release - Jun 2023
A summer season of light and colour
As part of a season exploring the themes of light and colour, The Box will be marking the 300th anniversary of Sir Joshua Reynolds' birth and collaborating with artist Rana Begum RA this summer.