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, Heritage site
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.
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/wokings-story
Is there still life in Still Life? The Ingram Collection
- 15 July — 1 October 2017 *on now
Showcased by works drawn from The Ingram Collection, the exhibition will pose the question of still life’s ongoing relevance, with works in a variety of styles by artists such as Ruskin Spear, Sir Anthony Caro, Mark Gertler, Anne Redpath and Mary Fedden.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
£4.50 Day Pass or £7.50 Annual Pass | Under 18s Free
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/is-there-still-life-in-still-life
Face to Face: The Figurative Sculpture of Sean Henry
- 12 August — 5 November 2017 *on now
Internationally recognised sculptor Sean Henry returns to Woking, the place of his birth, with a show of artwork made over the last 15 years which will be exhibited both at the gallery and in outdoor locations across the centre of town. Henry’s work is highly realistic and essentially modern in its choice of subject matter, colour and materials. His figures – often anonymous men and women - have an emphatic physicality which allows room for the viewer to draw their own interpretations, while deliberate changes to scale and colour imbue his figures with a powerful interiority and ‘presence’.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
£4.50 Day Pass or £7.50 Annual Pass | Under 18s Free
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/face-to-face-the-figurative-sculpture-of-sean-henry
The Lightbox 10th Birthday Party
- 16 September 2017 10:30am-5pm
The Lightbox first opened its doors on 14 September 2007. Ten years on, to celebrate this milestone we would like to invite all those that have helped make the last 10 years such a success to join us for a special family-friendly birthday party.
All the galleries will be free for one day only, and in the afternoon there will be free face painting and a drop-in family ‘Butterflies and Bugs’ workshop – the creations from which will be mounted as an installation to mark the anniversary.
The Friends of Woking Palace will bring alive the Tudor history of the area in ‘Woking’s Story’ and there will be a special 70th anniversary display of Kenwood cookware, who were originally based in Woking.
Suitable for
- Family friendly
- Especially for children
Where
The Lightbox
Chobham Road
Woking
Surrey
GU21 4AA
Website
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/Event/the-lightbox-10th-birthday-party
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.
The Lightbox
Chobham Road
Woking
Surrey
GU21 4AA
England
Website
Telephone
01483 737800
Fax
01483 764369
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