Plymouth Culture | Crowds turn out in force for Beryl Cook exhibition at The Box

5 February 2026

A week after opening, the Beryl Cook exhibition at The Box Museum is already proving a major draw, with large numbers of visitors passing through the doors each day.

The exhibition, which celebrates the life and work of the much-loved British artist, has been busy from the outset, with the gallery regularly full and visitors queuing to get inside. Many visitors have been taking their time moving through the exhibition, stopping to look closely at the artwork and sharing reactions as they go.

Beryl Cook is best known for her distinctive style, capturing everyday life with humour, warmth and an unmistakable eye for character. Her paintings often focus on ordinary moments and familiar settings, and that accessibility appears to be resonating strongly with those attending.

The atmosphere inside the gallery has been lively, with a broad mix of ages visiting. Some people have spoken about recognising scenes and personalities from their own lives, while others are discovering her work for the first time.

The exhibition’s popularity has coincided with the recent appearance of Beryl Cook-inspired statues around Plymouth, helping to spark wider interest in her work across the city. Together, the exhibition and the public artworks have brought a noticeable cultural buzz during the winter period.

Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy is showing at The Box Museum from 24th January 2026 to 31st May 2026.

Photographs and Video © Wayne Perry / Plymouth Post