Beryl Cook's characters come to life across Plymouth
27 January 2026
Life-size sculptures celebrate Britain's most popular painter in her centenary year.
Plymouth's streets have been transformed with joy and colour thanks to four life-size 3D sculptures based on Beryl Cook's iconic paintings which have appeared across the city to coincide with our major Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy exhibition (until 31 May 2026).
In partnership with Theatre Royal Plymouth, The Box has brought some of Cook's beloved characters off the canvas and into the very locations that inspired them, creating the ultimate celebration of Plymouth's celebrated artist in the centenary year of her birth.
The four figures have been carefully selected in consultation with Cook's family and feature scenes deeply rooted in Plymouth life:
● Sailors and Seagulls (c.1970) – One of the jolly sailors has taken up residence on the bench outside The Dolphin pub on Southside Street, The Barbican, ready for countless selfies with locals and visitors alike.
● The Market (1978) – A cheerful shopper has appeared by the Frankfort Gate entrance to Plymouth Market, capturing the bustle of the city's shopping heart just as Beryl painted it.
● Sabotage (1975) – A bowls player mid-game has been positioned near the very bowling green that inspired the painting.
● Tom Dancing (1976) – The figure of Brian Pearce (aka drag performer Ruby Venezuela) now stands near the former Lockyer Tavern next to the entrance to the garden of the Bank pub in the city centre, celebrating Plymouth's vibrant LGBTQ+ history and nightlife.
Victoria Pomery, Chief Executive of The Box, said:
Beryl painted Plymouth with such warmth, humour and affection for over 40 years. These sculptures bring her work back to the streets she loved – The Hoe, the Barbican, the Pannier Market, the city's pubs and clubs. They're going to bring so much joy to people, whether they're devoted Beryl fans or discovering her work for the first time.
James Mackenzie-Blackman, Chief Executive and Artistic Director of Theatre Royal Plymouth, added:
We're thrilled to partner with The Box on this project. Our highly skilled craftspeople at our TR2 workshop have done a phenomenal job bringing the 2D characters from the paintings to life, creating brand new pieces of art that the people of Plymouth can admire and interact with. Beryl’s work celebrated people who were often overlooked or dismissed, and these sculptures are a brilliant way to share that celebration across the whole city.
The project realises a long-held ambition to create a Beryl Cook presence in Plymouth's public spaces. The sculptures have been fabricated and installed by TR2. They will remain in place until the summer. Each one is designed to be accessible and Instagram-worthy, inviting people to interact, photograph, and share their encounters with Beryl's world using #BerylTrail and tagging @theboxplymouth.
Plymouth comedian Suzy Bennett has been commissioned to create a comedy walking tour that will take visitors on a journey through Beryl's Plymouth, incorporating the sculptures and exploring the artist's life, work, and the locations that inspired her distinctive vision.
Sophie Cook, Beryl's granddaughter, said:
These sculptures are such a fitting tribute to Beryl in her centenary year. She loved Plymouth and Plymouth loved her back. Seeing her characters come to life in the actual places she painted them – The Hoe, the pubs, the market – would have absolutely delighted her. We're so grateful to The Box and Theatre Royal Plymouth for making this happen.
Jemima Laing, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:
Beryl Cook put Plymouth on the cultural map. Her paintings are recognised worldwide. They always showed our city with such affection – the sailors, the working people, the nightlife, the everyday moments that make Plymouth special. These sculptures are Plymouth's way of saying thank you to an artist who never stopped celebrating us.
Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy runs until 31 May 2026 at The Box. The exhibition features over 80 works including rarely seen paintings and textiles plus insights from the Cook family's personal archives. Admission is free and visitors are encouraged to book a free ticket for a guaranteed time slot.