The Lightbox
The Lightbox
Chobham Road
Woking
Surrey
GU21 4AA
England
Website
Telephone
01483 737800
Fax
01483 764369
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
Woking's Story
- 1 November 2014 — 1 November 2018 *on now
Woking's Story is a permanent museum at The Lightbox which explores the town's fascinating history covering themes such as the 'mad, the bad and the dead'. This family friendly space has something for everyone, from a fun children's dressing up box to the moving stories of local people.
The museum has eight main displays which are interactive and some have oral history listening points. You can discover people’s personal memories of life in the town and watch historic films. Have you ever wondered about what life in Woking used to be like? Or how the town came to be the way it is today?
Tours of Woking's Story can be arranged if booked in advance.
Suitable for
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/wokings-story
The Horse at War: 1914-1918
- 25 November 2014 — 1 March 2015 *on now
Historical fine art featuring in the exhibition shows how the horse was depicted in the war, both heroically and as a beast-of-burden, by some of the leading British artists of the day, including William Roberts, Sir Alfred Munnings and Lucy Kemp-Welch. The horse is portrayed through historical fine art work and taking centre stage will be ‘Joey’, the life-size horse puppet from the National Theatre’s acclaimed stage production of War Horse on temporary loan from the Victoria and Albert Museum, and featuring drawings by Illustrator and Theatre Designer, Rae Smith.
To complement the exhibition, a social history display of documents, newspaper reports and other items recalls the role of horses and other animals, both on the Front and more locally in World War One.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Entry with a £5 Annual Pass. Under 18s free.
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/
The Surrey Open Photographic Exhibition
- 14 January — 12 April 2015 *on now
The Lightbox’s first Surrey Open Photographic Competition was open to residents of Surrey as well as those who work or study in the county and a selection of these entries are on display.
Artists of all levels were invited to submit an array of photographic styles to the competition and we were thrilled by the level and number of entries that we had. Photographs for the exhibition were selected by a panel of independent judges and a further prize of £250 will be awarded to the winner of The People’s Prize, which will be judged by visitors.
The exhibition is now on display in the Upper Gallery.
Suitable for
Admission
£5 Adult Annual Pass | Under 18s Free
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/coming-soon-the-surrey-open-photographic-exhibition
Muslim Voices: Songs of Faith and Devotion
- 4 February — 15 March 2015 *on now
This specially commissioned film and sound installation will feature contemporary expressions of traditional Islamic poetry with cross-generational and cross-cultural participants, artists and members of the local Muslim community. This project was funded by Paul Hamlyn Foundation and supported by the Shah Jahan Mosque.
Suitable for
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/coming-soon-muslim-voices-songs-of-faith-and-devotion
Waste Not…
- 24 March — 8 April 2015
This is an exhibition of old appliances and other objects that are still used – or at least have been kept in the hope of being used!
We show the objects themselves and short films of their owners talking about them. It’s all about maintaining things – this is the anti-upgrading exhibition.
Suitable for
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/coming-soon-waste-not
Damien Hirst: New Religion
- 28 March — 5 July 2015
‘Damien Hirst: New Religion’ brings together a body of work formed in 2005 that deals with issues such as belief, mortality, love, seduction and consumption.
The exhibition includes a series of silkscreen prints, paintings and sculptures that address Hirst’s belief that “science is the new religion for many people.”
Hirst’s work portrays the Creation of the World, through the Stations of the Cross and towards the Last Judgement. Featured in the exhibition will be a crucifix inlaid with pewter pills and silkscreen prints depicting biblical chapters with images of corresponding medication.
Suitable for
Admission
Entry with a £5 Annual Pass | Under 18s Free
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/damien-hirst-new-religion
Art in Mind
- 25 March 2015
Art in Mind is a programme of monthly creative workshops for people with dementia and their family members, friends or supporters. Each session is led by an artist who will introduce different art forms and give support and encouragement throughout.
Suitable for
Admission
£10 for 6 sessions, free for supporters
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/Pages/events/category/adult-workshops
1814/1914: The Glorious Peace, The Great War
- 26 February 2015 1-4pm *on now
Independent Curator Alexander Rich will explore two extraordinary summers set apart by a century; the summer of 1814 when people were celebrating the end of the Napoleonic Wars, and 1914 before the outbreak of World War One. Alexander will talk about the work of British artists, from John Constable to Wyndham Lewis, and how they reflected the spirit of Britain at these times.
Admission
£6 adults, £5 concessions
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/Event/18141914-the-glorious-peace-the-great-war
Drawing for Adults
- 4 March 2015 10:30-11:30am
- 18 March 2015 10:30-11:30am
Join John Haslum for some inspirational drawing around The Lightbox.
For 16 years and above.
Advance booking required. All materials included.
Suitable for
Admission
Free Entry | Suggested Donation £2
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/Pages/events/category/adult-workshops
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.
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.
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.
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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