Beryl’s Influences
Although artist Beryl Cook was self-taught, she didn’t create her paintings in a vacuum. She actively mined newsreels and local papers, was an avid reader who owned many books, captured hundreds of photographs and gained inspiration from a wide variety of materials and artists. There’s a section in our ‘Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy’ exhibition which shows her work alongside some of these and demonstrates just how well-informed and considered her practice was. Discover more here!
Beryl’s Travels
Beryl Cook painted Plymouth as it had never been seen before and the city influenced the way she saw and represented the wider world too. With the success of her first exhibitions and growing reputation she travelled to other places – for work as well as leisure. Here are some of the paintings in our ‘Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy’ exhibition that were inspired by her visits to other cities.
Inspired by Beryl Cook
The four life-sized Beryl Cook sculptures that are located around Plymouth have been more popular than we could have hoped for since they were installed. They’ve created some great selfie moments too! As we seek a planning permission extension to keep them in place until at least 2029, here’s more about the paintings that inspired them.
Plymouth’s Iconic Heritage Sites Reopening for the Season
One of our favourite times of year is nearly upon us! As the days grow longer, two of the city’s most loved heritage sites – Smeaton’s Tower and Elizabethan House – are getting ready to open their doors once again this April. Whether you’re a seasoned or first-time visitor, it’s a chance for you to step into the past, soak up spectacular views, and rediscover stories that have shaped the city for centuries.
Meet the Makers
The Box is hosting its first ever ‘Winter Makers Market’ on 22 and 23 November 2025 in the beautiful St Luke’s gallery. The event will be a great opportunity to browse and buy from a selection of exceptional local makers and artists – just in time for Christmas! Here’s your chance to find out more about some of the many makers who will be there.
Making Home: Taking inspiration from surrealism and technology
‘Making Home’ at The Box is one of our community engagement initiatives. Its aim is to ensure everyone feels comfortable when they visit and whilst they’re exploring the many different themes in our changing exhibition programme, with a particular focus on supporting marginalised communities through creative practice. This summer we’ve been working with Iranian artist Sepideh Takshi on a series of creative workshops inspired by our major ‘Forbidden Territories’ exhibition.
How it started v How it’s going – Part Three
We’re back with a third post where we’re casting our minds back to 2019-2020 when The Box was being developed. This time we’re looking at St Luke’s church, which underwent a huge transformation inside and outside to become the beautiful gallery space it is today.
A celebration of creativity and community
‘Hello Sailor’ took place at Tinside Lido on Saturday 5 July 2025 and it was such a great event to witness! Deputy Leader, Councillor Jemima Laing gives her report on the outdoor event of the summer.
The ProBleu Project – inspiring the Ocean City’s future citizens
During 2025 The Box has partnered with Hyde Park Infant and Junior School to deliver Future Citizens of Plymouth – The Ocean City, connecting local school children and the wider community with the ocean on their doorstep.
How it started v How it’s going – Part Two
Can you remember what your workplace looked like nearly ten years ago? Now we’ve welcomed our millionth visitor, and as we prepare for what we hope will be a busy summer, we’re back with a second look at how much things have changed since we turned the former City Museum and Art Gallery, Central Library building and St Luke’s church into The Box. In this post, we look at some of the spaces on our first floor as well as the exterior of our main building.