Carnivalesque in the Far South West
4 March 2025
The display cases in our Active Archives gallery are currently full of information and objects that explore the theme of carnival and its related traditions in the South West. They've been created in response to our 'John Lyons: Carnivalesque' exhibition and include some brilliant loans from local organisations and individuals as well as items from The Box. Here are five objects from the collections to look out for next time you visit!
1
Flower Girl Photograph
Devonport Carnival, 1923-1924
In Britain, carnivals mainly emerged from seasonal fairs and feasts and have grown and evolved over time. We believe this striking image of a girl in a flower costume was taken at Devonport Carnival in the early 1920s. The Carnival was an event that regularly took place between the First and Second World Wars.
2
Bird of Paradise
Taxidermy specimen, around 1900
Carnival costumes can often be really colourful and elaborate, and often take inspiration from animals and birds. This is a kumul - the national bird of Papua New Guinea - where its feathers are used for men's ceremonial dress.
3
Watercolour Portrait
Painted by I Culverwill, 1793
Many Morris dances are based on local history and folklore and some tell tales of life in the workhouse. This woman was a Plymouth Workhouse resident called Catherine Burden. Unusually, her name and age are written on the back. She was 70 years old when this portrait of her was painted.
4
Carnival Programmes
1930s-1990s
Carnivals have flourished in Plymouth over the years and have also changed with the times - from the Devonport Carnival in the early 1900s, to today's vibrant West End Carnival which takes place each August.
5
Tawny Owl
Taxidermy specimen, around 1900
Owls, or 'jumbie birds', can be seen in many of John Lyons' paintings and are an important motif in his work. They are creatures who hold great knowledge and who have the ability to live in the light, the dark and the in-between. Here in the UK they are associated with both darkness and wisdom.
You can see Carnivalesque in the Far South West and John Lyons: Carnivalesque on the first floor of The Box until the end of Sunday 23 March. Opening hours are 10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday. Entry is free.