All Articles
Art - Nov 2023
Masters of their craft: van Walscapelle, de Bray and Ruysch
From detailed compositions and bold palettes, to skilful use of colour and light, we continue our tour of the beautiful ‘Dutch Flowers’ exhibition with a look at the work of Jacob van Walscapelle, Dirck de Bray and Rachel Ruysch.
Art - Oct 2023
Capturing Nature's Beauty: Dutch Flower Paintings
The popularity of flower painting emerged in Northern Netherlands as a result of prosperous trade, scientific advancement, and middle-class patronage in Dutch cities in the 17th century. We take a look at three of the artists featured in the 'Dutch Flowers' exhibition: Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, Balthasar van der Ast and Jan Davidsz. de Heem.
News - Oct 2023
The trailblazer: James 'Jimmy' Peters
We're celebrating the story of Jimmy Peters at The Box this half term. Read on to discover more about the extraordinary life of the first black man to play rugby union for England.
Press Release - Oct 2023
The Box secures Lottery funding to research the South West’s Windrush connections
The Box has been awarded a National Lottery Community Fund grant of £9,500 to research the Windrush generation and its legacy in Devon and Cornwall. The project will take a deep dive into the passenger lists from the dozens of ships that arrived at the city’s Millbay Docks from the late 1940s to the early 1970s, uncovering the stories of the people that arrived here, their descendants and their lives in the South West.
Art - Oct 2023
Kedisha Coakley: Artist Biography
Learn about acclaimed contemporary artist Kedisha Coakley, known for her sculpture, photography and printmaking that reframes history, culture and race. Read a biography covering her art studies, exhibitions, commissions and career in Sheffield and beyond.
Press Release - Oct 2023
The Box appoints Rebecca Bridgman as Head of Collections and Programme
The Box has made a significant addition to its Senior Management Team with the appointment of Rebecca Bridgman as its new Head of Collections and Programme.
Art - Oct 2023
Meet..... Lady Jane Grey
The woman at the centre of the giant history painting that is undergoing a conservation assessment at The Box until 4 October had a fascinating but tragic life. Find out more about Lady Jane Grey – otherwise known as the ‘Nine Days’ Queen’.
Art - Sep 2023
Meet..... Solomon Hart
Solomon Hart was one of the most respected British artists of the 1800s, but how much do you know about this Plymouth-born artist who went on to become the first Jewish Royal Academician? Here's your chance to learn a little more about his life.
Art - Sep 2023
Pink Coffee Pot
This distinctive, brightly coloured coffee pot is part of a set that also includes a tea pot, sugar bowl, jug and cups. It is currently on display in the large case in our 'People and Place: Art Collection showcase' gallery.
Art - Sep 2023
'Imogen' by Elizabeth Adela Forbes
This 1898 oil on canvas by Elizabeth Adela Stanhope Forbes (nee Armstrong) ARWS RE (1859-1912) was purchased for the city’s permanent art collections in 1904.
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!
History - Sep 2023
Archives insight: A Plymouth doctor's gallantry
The Box is currently remembering the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the NHS through telling the story of the courage and self-sacrifice of Dr Alison Jean McNairn (afterwards Jesson) in our Active Archives gallery.