Making a Mark: Dazzling Drawings from the Cottonian Collection
The Box, Plymouth
When: 04 February 2023 to 04 June 2023
Where: The Box, Tavistock Place, Plymouth PL4 8AX
Time: 10am - 5pm
Cost: Admission free. No need to book.
Suitable for: Any age
10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday + selected bank holidays
This exhibition showcases over 40 rare and important drawings dating from the 1600s-1700s from The Box’s Cottonian Collection – arguably Plymouth’s most significant fine art collection, and one which has been designated by the UK Government as being of international importance.
'Making a Mark' highlights the methods, materials and centuries-old approaches to drawing that still inspire contemporary artists today. It includes a work in chalk and graphite by Rubens (1577-1640) and an ink drawing attributed to Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519).
The drawings show a range of subjects from epic stories to landscapes to fantasy. Many were created by artists who made drawings to test out ideas for larger, final artworks. Some used drawing to both teach and learn. Others used it as a tool to express their imagination. They were made when traditional materials associated with drawing, such as paper, ink and pencil were more readily available and drawing became an essential tool of artistic practice.
The exhibition also features a selection of plaster casts, ceramics and books and a dedicated space where you can relax, reflect and get creative.
Exhibitions & Projects
-
Digging Deeper: Celebrating volunteers in North Devon's archaeology
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
26 July 2025 to 04 October 2025
-
Treasures of North Devon
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
19 July 2025 to 11 October 2025
-
Six Weeks To Go
Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum
31 March 2025 to 31 October 2025
-
Kingsbridge 1939 1945 : The Image and the Place
Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum
31 March 2025 to 31 October 2025
-
Battle of Britain Anniversary Exhibition and Talk Series
Exmouth Museum and Heritage Centre registered charity 291311
08 April 2025 to 01 November 2025
-
Jyll Bradley: Running and Returning
The Box, Plymouth
05 April 2025 to 02 November 2025
-
Coastal Threads: Textile Art
Fairlynch Museum Budleigh Salterton
01 May 2025 to 02 November 2025
-
Jyll Bradley: Life and Influences
The Box, Plymouth
05 April 2025 to 02 November 2025
-
Westward Ho! and Bideford Art Society Annual Open Exhibition
27 September 2025 to 02 November 2025
-
Earth Action North Devon: Explorers Create!
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
11 October 2025 to 22 November 2025
-
North Devon Innovates
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
25 October 2025 to 03 January 2026
-
Wild
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
26 July 2025 to 04 January 2026
-
Carolyn Lefley: Ancient Sea
Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery
29 July 2025 to 25 January 2026
-
This is me Call for entries: Documentary Photography Open 2026
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
01 December 2025 to 11 April 2026
-
Call for entries Young Digital Documentary Photography Open
The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon
01 December 2025 to 11 April 2026
