Art Articles

'Fern Colour' by Kate Nicholson | The Box Plymouth
Art - Feb 2023

'Fern Colour' by Kate Nicholson

Kate Nicholson (1929-2019) came from a family of painters who all worked with the traditional subject of still life, but in very innovative ways. This vibrant oil on canvas was purchased from the artist for our fine art collections in 1958.

Is this Elizabeth I's signature? | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Feb 2023

Is this Elizabeth I's signature?

We're displaying a famous portrait of Queen Elizabeth I in our '100 Journeys' gallery throughout 2023. The painting is on loan from The Woburn Abbey Collection and is show alongside materials relating to Sir Francis Drake. We also have a small number of items in our collections relating to Elizabeth I, including a book we believe she actually signed.

'Hoe Garden Nursery' by Stanley Spencer | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jan 2023

'Hoe Garden Nursery' by Stanley Spencer

This much loved work of art from our collection was painted by one of the greatest British artists of the 20th century.

'Plymouth Sound by Moonlight and Searchlight' by Julius Olsson | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jan 2023

'Plymouth Sound by Moonlight and Searchlight' by Julius Olsson

This much-loved painting from our art collection was gifted to Plymouth in 1909, and is by Julius Olsson (1864-1942).

'Plymouth Pier from the Hoe' by Charles Ginner | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jan 2023

'Plymouth Pier from the Hoe' by Charles Ginner

‘Plymouth Pier from the Hoe’ dates from 1923, and was purchased for our art collection with the support of the Art Fund in 1987.

'A Byway in Plymouth' by Reginald Brill | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jan 2023

'A Byway in Plymouth' by Reginald Brill

This oil painting by Reginald Brill (1902-74) was acquired for our art collection in 2007.

'Teats Hill' by Jack Pickup | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jan 2023

'Teats Hill' by Jack Pickup

‘Teats Hill’ is one of a number of paintings and sketches held in our art collection by artist Jack Pickup.

'Hooe Lake' by Philip Hutchins Rogers | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jan 2023

'Hooe Lake' by Philip Hutchins Rogers

This oil painting dates from circa 1814 and was possibly exhibited at the Royal Academy that same year. It was acquired for the city’s permanent art collections in 1989 with the support of the Friends of Plymouth City Museums and Art Gallery and The ACE/V&A’s Purchase Grant Fund.

'East Indiaman Dutton Wrecked in Plymouth Sound' by Nicholas Pocock | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jan 2023

'East Indiaman Dutton Wrecked in Plymouth Sound' by Nicholas Pocock

This painting depicts a famous maritime event. It’s by a man called Nicholas Pocock (1740-1821), a Bristol-born artist who was known during his lifetime for the detailed paintings he produced of naval scenes.

'Royal William Victualling Yard' by William Williams | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jan 2023

'Royal William Victualling Yard' by William Williams

We were able to acquire this oil painting in 1994, thanks to funding support from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London and the National Art Collections Fund.

'Admiral’s Hard, Stonehouse' by William Gibbons | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jan 2023

'Admiral’s Hard, Stonehouse' by William Gibbons

This lovely painting of Admiral’s Hard is a very different scene to what we’d witness today, although there are some familiar sights including a Royal William Yard building to the left, sailboats out on the water and people queuing up to cross the river.

'Plymouth in 1666' by Willem van de Velde the Younger  | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jan 2023

'Plymouth in 1666' by Willem van de Velde the Younger

This oil painting dates from around 1670 and was acquired in 1898. It’s titled ‘Plymouth in 1666’ and is attributed to an artist called Willem van de Velde the Younger (around 1633-1707).