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Behind the scenes: Creating exhibitions | The Box Plymouth
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.

The Triumph of Art: The Box announced as UK partner for National Gallery's bicentenary commission with artist Jeremy Deller | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Aug 2023

The Triumph of Art: The Box announced as UK partner for National Gallery's bicentenary commission with artist Jeremy Deller

The Triumph of Art, the National Gallery’s commission to round off its Bicentenary year, has announced the partners it will be working with, to develop, produce and deliver the project - and The Box is one of them. Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller will be celebrating festivals, gatherings, and art in the public realm, in this UK-wide performance work.

A painting exchange with Saltram House | The Box Plymouth
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.

Rana Begum on Sir Joshua Reynolds | The Box Plymouth
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.

Viewpoint: A place for everyone | The Box Plymouth
Press Release - Jul 2023

Viewpoint: A place for everyone

Councillor Jemima Laing, Plymouth City Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children's Social Care, Culture, Events and Communications, shares why she thinks The Box is a place where's there's something for everyone.

'Cookworthy, Body Sherds and Plymouth Rock' by Paul Scott | The Box Plymouth
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.

'Dartmoor China Clay' by Jean Jones | The Box Plymouth
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.

DesignLab Nation 2024 Callout | The Box Plymouth
News - Jul 2023

DesignLab Nation 2024 Callout

Are you a designer, creator or artist who can inspire the next generation? Join us and help lead the V&A's inspiring 'DesignLab Nation' project.

Reynolds 300: A world of colour | The Box Plymouth
Reynolds 300 - Jul 2023

Reynolds 300: A world of colour

This summer we’re celebrating the themes of light and colour as well as the 300th anniversary of the birth of famous portrait artist Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792). For Reynolds, colour was a fundamental part of creating captivating portraits. The use of colour he saw in centuries-old paintings during a period of time he spent in Italy as a young man influenced both his practice and teaching.

Reynolds 300: What can his portraits tell us about the era?
Reynolds 300 - Jun 2023

Reynolds 300: What can Reynolds' portraits tell us about the era?

Sir Joshua Reynolds' career spanned a time of national and global change and the portraits on display in 'Reframing Reynolds: A Celebration' can tell you a lot about society in this era. We've also created a timeline showing his career progressing alongside other major events that he and his clients had connections to.

Archives insight: Refugee Week 2023 - Meet the Huguenots | The Box Plymouth
History - Jun 2023

Archives insight: Refugee Week 2023 - Meet the Huguenots

For this year's 'Refugee Week' we're looking at the story of the Huguenots - French Protestants who took refuge in some of our towns and cities, including Plymouth, in the late 1600s. They brought a range of valuable skills with them and introduced the word ‘refugee’ into the English language.

Archive insight: A dream of a new life overseas | The Box Plymouth
History - Jun 2023

Archives insight: A dream of a new life overseas

Have you been watching the BBC's latest historical drama 'Ten Pound Poms'? This image from our archives shows a family about to embark on the scheme that saw over a million people try and make their homes in Australia.