The Lightbox

The Lightbox is the award winning gallery and museum in Woking, Surrey, where there is something for everyone. Whether you’re passionate about the arts and history, want activities and fun, or would just like somewhere quiet to relax and think, you’ll find it all at The Lightbox.

The stunning building designed by Marks Barfield Architects boasts two spacious galleries and a number of side galleries, hosting a wide range of free exhibitions, changing regularly. The Lightbox is also home to Woking's Story, the interactive museum of the town's history from the 19th Century to the present day. If you’re visiting with children you’ll find plenty to keep them occupied and entertained.

Enjoy the changing displays around the building from the prestigious Ingram Collection of Modern British Art , which is on long-term loan to The Lightbox from Woking businessman, Chris Ingram and includes works by Anthony Caro, Eduardo Paolozzi, Elisabeth Frink and Barbara Hepworth.

In addition to the changing exhibitions and displays, The Lightbox runs an extensive education and events programme, meaning there is always something different to experience.

A visit can be completed with a delicious meal or coffee at the canal-side cafe, or browsing for that special gift in the gift shop which stocks a wide range of beautiful gifts including handmade work by local designer-makers.

Venue Type:

Museum, Gallery

Opening hours

Tues - Sat: 10:30am - 5.00pm
Sun: 11.00am - 5.00pm

Closed Mondays and bank holidays.

Admission charges

Free entry, donations welcome

Exhibition details are listed below, you may need to scroll down to see them all.

The Ingram Collection: The Colourful Lives of Artists

30 April — 30 June 2013 *on now

This exhibition explores the often controversial and complicated lives of artists.

Featuring Dora Carrington, Derrick Greaves, R.B. Kitaj, Jacob Epstein and Stanley Spencer, the exhibition explores the private lives of these artists, their personal relationships and the inspiration for their artistic practice.

Suitable for

18+

Website

http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/events1/april2013/30aprcolourfullivesofartists

Marguerite Howarth: Artist of Surrey (1908-2001)

20 August — 6 October 2013

Marguerite Howarth lived locally and kept her sketchbook with her at home in Surrey, on holiday abroad and on retirement in Yorkshire, painting as she went.

This exhibition will explore the work of this talented artist, starting with commercial work before her marriage and turning to precise architectural pen and ink drawings on her move to Woking.

Her watercolours were a feature of Woking Society of Arts exhibitions and later in life she produced delicate miniature watercolours.

Suitable for

Any age

Website

http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/events1/august2013/margueritehowarth

Gertrude Jekyll: Landscape Gardener and Craftswoman

15 May — 8 September 2013 *on now

Gertrude Jekyll was one of the most influential garden designers of all time, whose impact on the art of gardening is still evident around the world today.

This exhibition will – for the first time - explore the long and extraordinary life of Gertrude Jekyll (1843 – 1932).

Suitable for

Any age

Website

http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/events1/may2013/gertrudejekyll

Welsh Landscapes: From Turner to Long

22 October 2013 — 27 January 2014

Organised in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, this exhibition will feature highlights from the rich and varied collection of Welsh landscape painting, sculpture and installation held by the museum.

‘Welsh Landscapes: From Turner to Long’ will, for the first-time, bring these highlights together outside of Wales and will explore the ways in which the landscape of Wales has been depicted by artists over the centuries, including J.M.W Turner, Alfred Sisley, John Piper and Richard Long.

National Museum Wales’ art collection comprises 500 years of painting, drawing, sculpture, silver and ceramics, including the renowned Davies collection of 19th century French Realist, Impressionist and Post Impressionist works. The Lightbox is delighted to present part of this world-class collection to audiences in the South East.

Suitable for

Any age

Website

http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/events1/october2012/welshlandscapes

Resources listed here may include websites, bookable tours and workshops, books, loan boxes and more. You may need to scroll down or click on headers to see them all.

Digital and online resources

Frames of Refuge

An exhibition being put together by 30 young people, focusing on the experiences of refugees. The presentation incorporates a film using video interviews of refugees carried out by the students, and also students' artwork in response to those interviews. The exhibition, designed by the students, will be shown at the Lightbox in July 2009, at Surrey History Centre in the autumn of 2009 and at the production of 'The Vision', Woking's new community play about refugees and displaced people, in April 1010. It will also be made available as a DVD and on The Lightbox's website.

Creator

Students at Winston Churchill School, Woking, with the assistance of Rib Davis from The Lightbox.

Publisher

-

Languages

-

How to obtain

The exhibition will be viewable without booking or charge.

Boxes, objects and other kit

Brookwood Hospital: A Victorian Community History Box

http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/learning/loanboxes/historyboxes

Specially designed to introduce visitors to Woking's story, this History Box explores how the hospital worked and how patients were treated in Victorian Woking. It contains a pack of suggested activities to do with the objects included. Due to its sensitive subject matter, this box is suitable for pupils aged 11 and up. It contains a pack of suggested activities to do with the objects included.

How to obtain

Contact the Education Team on 01483 737815 or email education@thelightbox.org.uk.

Oral History Box

http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/learning/loanboxes/historyboxes

Specially designed to introduce visitors to Woking's story, this History Box includes wartime and childhood memories of Woking on CD, together with recording equipment for pupils to carry out their own oral history interviews and a pack of suggested activities. Suitable for all ages.

How to obtain

Contact the Education Team on 01483 737815 or email education@thelightbox.org.uk.

Face to face resources

Tours of the Lightbox

http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/about/toursofthelightbox

Take a close-up look at the architecture of the building, enjoy views of Woking from different angles, and find out why certain design decisions were taken.
Discover Woking’s Story and marvel at the design features incorporated to make the 2000sqm space an excellent display area for a personal collection of modern British art, including renowned sculptures.
Visitors will see why the stunning building has been highly acclaimed in the media and was voted Museum of the Year and won the prestigious Art Fund Prize 2008 as well as the RIBA SE award.

How to obtain

The 30 minute tours, held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, are hosted by one of The Lightbox’s team of dedicated volunteers and begin at 11am. Numbers are limited, but although the tours are free, pre-booking is required through reception or on the booking line: 01483 737837.

World War II in Woking

http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/learning/schoolvisits/schoolvisitactivities

Learn about what life was like in Woking during World War II and take part in a WWII themed workshop activity.

How to obtain

This activity session costs £60 and will last approximately two hours. It includes a hands-on creative workshop in our education studio and a visit to the relevant exhibition. If you would like to discuss your individual requirements then please contact the Education Team on 01483 737815 or email education@thelightbox.org.uk.

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