The Lightbox Annual Arts and Crafts Fair

Start your Christmas shopping at our Arts and Crafts Fair on the 26 November and find unique gifts for all the family. Visitors will be able to browse traditional handmade gifts, bespoke contemporary crafts, and original local artworks. Whether you’re searching for a distinctive seasonal shopping experience, would like to find original and creative gifts for your friends and family or perhaps looking for a special treat for yourself, you’ll find them all at The Lightbox’s Arts and Crafts Fair.

Joe Szabo is a designer maker who creates contemporary ‘Glass Art’ and will be selling his unique and beautiful pieces at the Arts and Craft Fair. Joe creates contemporary glass art and experiments with new ideas constantly developing new technical solutions. His works contain sharp contrasts and often steps away from glass as the primary medium and combines it with other media, such as metal and ceramic.

Caroline Thomson is another artist who will also be at the fair and will be selling her contemporary silver jewellery. Caroline designs and hand makes all of her jewellery which is often inspired by shapes and forms found in nature. Caroline creates interesting surface details and finishes to her jewellery using techniques such as:  gold fusing, hammering, granulation and oxidising.  Caroline also likes to use fresh water pearls or copper to add interest and colour and is always experimenting and looking for inspiration to create new designs.

Joe Szabo and Caroline Thomson are just two of the many designer makers and artists who will be attending this year’s craft fair, so there will be plenty of shopping opportunities!

Furthermore, when legs get weary, you can settle down to some festive cheer, with a cup of warm mulled wine and a delicious mince pie or roasted chestnuts in our café, Palette, whilst enjoying live music. What a wonderful way to welcome this year’s festive Season!

The Arts and Craft Fair will be taking place throughout The Lightbox on 26 November 2011, 10.30am – 5pm. Entrance is FREE (donations welcome). For further information please visit www.thelightbox.org.uk or 01483 737800.

The Ancient History of the Silk Routes

WOKING INFORMER COLUMN

In conjunction with the current exhibition; ‘From the Realm of the Dragon: The Ceramic Heritage of Zibo, China’ Carol Michaelson who was formally ‘Curator China’ at the British Museum will be hosting a fascinating talk at The Lightbox; ‘The Silk Route: Chinese Trade Revealed in the British Museum Collections’.

Carol will be providing a fascinating account of the historic trade route between the East and West. Bringing the talk to life, Carol will be showing a selection of objects from the collection at the British Museum. 

The Silk Routes, collectively known as the Silk Road developed circa 2^nd Century BC, consisting of routes both on land and through the seas. The development of the Silk Road enabled the travel of goods from Asia to Africa, the Mediterranean and across Europe and vice versa. The Silk Road got its name from the significant Chinese silk trade and although silk remained for many centuries as a primary export for China, many other goods were traded across the lands by other countries from spices and medicines to slaves and jewels.

The advancement of the Silk Road led not only to the beginning of a long trading history but also a huge cultural exchange.  The sharing of many knowledge related aspects including philosophies, ideas, technologies and religion was now able to take place as well as benefiting from the wealth of products previously inaccessible from other regions of the world.

This talk will be taking place at The Lightbox on Wednesday 9 November 2011 at 1pm. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £5 for concessions, numbers are limited so advance booking is required (01483 737837). The talk will last approximately 45 minutes with a short time for questions at the end.

For more information about The Lightbox or ‘From the Realm of the Dragon: The Ceramic Heritage of Zibo, China’ please visit www.thelightbox.org.uk

The Lightbox – ‘Celebrating China’

WOKING INFORMER COLUMN

In celebration of the new Chinese ceramics exhibition; ‘From the Realm of the Dragon: The Ceramic Heritage of Zibo, China’, The Lightbox hosted a fun-filled Chinese themed day. ‘Celebrating China’ took place on Saturday 29 October 2011.

People came and joined in with the festivities of the day; enjoyed the dazzling performances performed by the Chinese Association of Woking, from a Lion dance and martial arts demonstrations to traditional Chinese dance. It proved to be a feast for the eyes and captivating for all.

There was also a free drop-in family workshop in the Education Studio where families took part in hands-on activities including paper dragon making!

It was the perfect opportunity to explore our new exhibition where you can discover the fascinating history of Chinese ceramics from ancient times to the present day and how the traditional techniques are kept alive by the work of the highly respected Chinese ceramicists known as ‘Modern Masters’.

There were also art and crafts stalls that were present throughout the day where a wide range of beautiful hand crafted ceramics made by local artists were for sale.

All of this coupled with Chinese inspired food available at The Lightbox’s in-house café and restaurant; Palette, you could truly immerse yourself in the spirit of China.

To find out more visit www.thelightbox.org.uk or call 01483 737800.

Woking Society of Arts returns to The Lightbox

WEEKLY COLUMN – WOKING INFORMER

 Running from 22 – 23 October and back by popular demand, The Lightbox gallery and museum will be playing host to the Woking Society of Arts, featuring works by Woking’s largest and prestigious group of artists. After a great success of last year’s exhibition, there will once again be a wide range of styles and medias on display, a large proportion of which will be for sale.

 The Woking Society of Arts made the decision to start exhibiting at The Lightbox as a means to enhance their reputation and attract new members.  Having been in the town for over 60 years, the Society meets on the first Saturday of every month and is a chance for artists to demonstrate and discuss their techniques and mediums including oils, mixed media, acrylics and watercolours. Throughout the year, the Society organizes a range of exhibitions and competitions for its members, increasing exposure of the Society, as well as encouraging its members to build on and develop upon their artistic range and capabilities.

 The Society provides a meeting ground for those interested in the arts, in either a practical sense, or in an appreciation and visual sense. In an effort to encourage people’s involvement with the arts, and in turn expand the cultural life of the town, the Woking Society of Arts plans artist days out and exhibitions to drum up interest.

 See www.wokingartssociety.org for more information about joining the Society, a small member’s fee applies, but those in full time education may be reduced. Contact The Lightbox Reception on 01483 737800 for more information on the exhibition.  Entrance is free of charge; The Lightbox is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5.00pm, Sundays 11.00am – 5.00pm, closed on Mondays and Bank Holidays.

The Ingram Collection: The Art of William Roberts

WOKING INFORMER COLUMN

From the 24 September, a display of works by artist William Roberts (1895 -1980) will be on show at The Lightbox until 18 December.  William Roberts was one of the 20^th Century’s most remarkable British artists, the series of paintings and works on paper on display highlights some of the works that define Robert’s as a unique figure in the history of Modern British Art.

The display is drawn from The Ingram Collection of Modern British Art which is on loan to The Lightbox from business entrepreneur, Chris Ingram and is also supported by The William Roberts Society. This special showcase provides a mini-retrospective of the work of one of the UK’s most celebrated and individual visual artists whose career spanned the first three quarters of the 20th Century.

For Sixty years, Robert’s drew and painted the everyday life of English people, he became an important social commentator, charting the way life in England changed dramatically during the Twentieth Century. Robert’s captured in his work observations from his time as an official war artist in 1917 through to the metropolitan leisure activities of the times by visiting cafes, cinemas, parks, pubs and the races. He also captured holiday makers and rural activities when he moved to Oxford between 1939 and 1945.

Both his early design experiences with a commercial poster firm, and his fascination with post-Impression and Cubism whilst studying at the Slade school of Fine Art, defined Robert’s unique style of group compositions. Whilst the grouping of figures are often elaborate and complex, Robert’s focus on the gestures of the human is achieved by an ability to remove all surplus detail from the scene and by using strong outlines, bold colours and a sense rhythm in his geometric patterns.

‘The Ingram Collection: The Art of William Roberts’ will be on show from the 24 September – 18 December 2011 in the Ambassador Room at The Lightbox. Please note that opening times are subject to availability of the Ambassador Room. To avoid disappointment please call 01483 737837 on day of visit to confirm if the exhibition is open.

Entry to exhibitions at The Lightbox is FREE (donations welcome) and is open Tuesday – Saturday 10.30am – 5pm and Sunday 11.00am – 5pm.

Join The Lightbox for a parliamentary tour at Westminster

WOKING INFORMER COLUMN

The Rt. Hon. Jonathan Lord, local MP and keen supporter of The Lightbox has kindly agreed to act as host on a private tour of the House of Commons at Westminster on 28 October. The event, which is being organised by The Lightbox will help to raise funds for their education programme.

There is an open invitation for people to book themselves on to this exclusive excursion, where guests will enjoy afternoon tea in the Terrace Dining Room at 4.00pm followed by a tour at 6.00pm.

The private tour, led by Jonathan Lord, will include a tour of the House of Commons, the Prince’s Chamber, St Stephens Hall and Westminster Hall. The tour will unveil a behind the scenes glimpse into parliament and give you an insight into the workings of one of the key institutions in the country.

This tour is being run especially for The Lightbox and is a fantastic opportunity for budding historians, those with an interest in politics, and those who are interested to see the architecture of this magnificent institution. The architecture of the Palace of Westminster is typically from the mid 19^th Century, built after a devastating fire destroyed many buildings. The tour will also uncover some earlier buildings including Westminster Hall which was built in 1097 under William Rufus, son of William the Conqueror.

Tickets cost £50 per head + £5 for return coach journey from Woking, numbers are limited so advance booking is required (01483 737837). If you choose to come on the coach, it will leave Woking at 2.30pm and return at 8.30pm. Guests are welcome to make their own way to London and meet at Westminster.

A ‘thrilling’ evening with Simon Kernick

WEEKLY COLUMN – THE WOKING INFORMER

As part of Surrey County Council Library Service’s fifth programme of author events, The Lightbox will be welcoming Simon Kernick to speak on Thursday 29 September. Starting at 7.30pm, Simon will be speaking about his career as a crime novel writer and his success with his growing collection of books he has written, which is currently at 10.

After leaving school in the mid 1980s, Kernick spent several years drifting, travelling around Canada, America and Australia, and working in a series of temporary jobs that he did not enjoy, including a road builder, stockroom assistant and Christmas tree up-rooter. Although his passion for writing novels was maintained, it wasn’t until 2001 when one of his novels got picked up and finally he began to receive the recognition he deserved. After four successful books, it was his fifth novel, ‘Relentless’, that really put him on the map as a great thriller writer. It became the bestselling thriller of 2007, and was described by The Observer as ‘unputdownable’.

Five books on and Simon is still writing. His most recent book, his tenth novel ‘Payback’ has been just as thoroughly researched as the others. “The research for the books involves me talking both on and off the record (but usually off) with a number of contacts in the police and security services, including Special Branch, the Anti Terrorist branch and the SOCA (the Serious and Organised Crime Agency), and it’s their input that gives the books their authenticity,” says Simon.  Surrounding himself and his readers in the murky world of crime, Kernick has been told to point out that unlike his own characters; his contacts in the police are all scrupulously honest and law-abiding!

Join Simon Kernick as he shares his knowledge and delves into the depths of the criminal underworld. For more information or to book tickets, please call The Lightbox on 01483 737800. Advanced booking is required, £6 per ticket.

Pop Art inspired fun this summer at The Lightbox

WOKING INFORMER COLUMN

Finding yourself short on things to do to keep your children entertained this month? The Lightbox has a whole host of hands-on activities for children and families planned this month, in line with our main exhibition, Snap, Crackle and Pop: British Pop Art meets the High street in Swinging Sixties.

Running from Tuesdays to Fridays (The Lightbox is closed on Mondays), in August we have something planned, from ticketed workshops, to totally free drop in sessions. And not to worry, for every activity that is planned for outside, we have an indoor alternative, just incase the English weather lets us down!

Join us for free family drop-in workshops with activities including making Pop Art inspired collages, and large scale Pop Art drawings outside in the sun, or if the weather is bad, in our large studio.

Paying workshops are also available, which allows more time and space to experiment with new artistic techniques to be learnt, including basic silk screen printing, and learning how to create your very own Pop Art portrait on canvas.

Pop Art Collage, Drop-In Family Workshop
16 August, 30 August, 1.30pm-4.00pm
Free entry, suggested donation £2. Suitable for children ages 4+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Bubble Fun, Drop-In Family Workshop
12 August, 19 August, 26 August
Free entry, suggested donation £2. Suitable for children ages 4+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pop Art Inspired Drawing in the Courtyard, Drop-In Family Workshop
18 August, 25 August
Free entry, suggested donation £2. Suitable for children ages 4+. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 Pop Art Portrait Workshop
17 August and 31 August, 1:30pm – 4pm.
For 8 – 16 year olds. £8 per child/ young person. Advance booking required (01483 737837), all materials provided.

Basic Silkscreen Printing Workshop
24 August, 1:30pm – 4pm
For 8 – 16 year olds. £8 per child/ young person. Advance booking required (01483 737837), all materials provided.

Pattern and Play Workshop
10 August and 23 August, 1.00pm – 2.30pm and 3.00pm – 4.30pm
For 4 – 8 year olds. £6.50 per child, accompanying adult goes free. Advance booking required (01483 737837), all materials provided.

For more details on workshops, please visit our website at www.thelightbox.org.uk or phone 01483 737837.

Visitor Information: The Lightbox is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am – 5.00pm and Sunday 11.00am – 5.00pm. Entrance is free.

Pop-tastic Sixties inspired exhibition!

Weekly Column – Woking Informer

Snap, Crackle and Pop: British Pop Art meets the High Street in the Swinging Sixties is now on show at The Lightbox until 28^th September.

In an exploration of how art and popular culture merged for the first time in 1960s Britain, this exhibition will bring to you an exclusive opportunity to see a collection of objects in context from the era, from iconic 60s art work by artists including Richard Hamilton, Peter Blake and David Hockney, as well as statement pieces from film, fashion and music, such as Diana Crawshaw’s ‘Baseball Suit’ for Mr Freedom to fashion from the iconic Mary Quant and Biba, as well as futuristic sunglasses by Oliver Goldsmith.

The exhibition will explore a world of 1950s modernity, the lure of the American dream and the explosion of pop art in the 1960s, cutting through Britain’s high street – The products that had once inspired Pop now had a turn at being influenced by it, and the new teenage audience couldn’t get enough.  

This exhibition explores the recovery of post-War Britain, the emerging ‘Youth-quake’ culture and the materialisation of the teenager, the emergence of British pop art and the influence of the celebrity. The newly materialistic culture of 1960s Britain is demonstrated through the selection of objects on display throughout the exhibition.

Speaking about the exhibition, Director of The Lightbox, Marilyn Scott, says: “This exhibition will be the first to examine the connection between mass culture and Pop Art in Britain.  It will gather the most important works created through the British Pop Art movement together with significant objects – ranging from the everyday and ephemeral through to key pieces of 1950s and 1960s design – to present the most comprehensive picture of this cultural phenomenon yet.”

Marco Livingstone, leading art historian with a particular interest in Pop Art will be giving a talk on this exhibition on 22 September at 7pm, £6 adults, £5 concessions. Join Marco as he discusses the British Pop Art movement in depth. In addition, Richard Alford, Managing Director of M&C Saatchi will also be giving a talk about the influence of Pop Art on advertising, on 28 September at 7pm £6 adults, £5 concessions. Numbers are limited on the talks, therefore booking is required, 01483 737837.

Don’t forget, whilst you’re at The Lightbox, remember to have a look at out our Town Called Malice, Stanley Road Revisited: Photographs of Paul Weller exhibition, in the Upper Gallery until 25^th September.

The Lightbox is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10.30am-5pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Entrance is free.

Join Katherine Higgins, Antiques Expert, for a talk on 1960s British Pop Culture

Weekly Column – Woking Informer

Now showing at The Lightbox, ‘Snap, Crackle and Pop: British Pop Art meets the High Street in the Swinging Sixties’ brings together works by some of the UK’s leading Pop Artists with key objects from the Sixties and early Seventies, to explore how art and popular culture were united for the very first time in Post-War Britain. To accompany the exhibition, antiques and vintage expert, Katherine Higgins, a specialist on BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow and guest curator of the exhibition, will give an exclusive talk on 18 August at 7.00pm at The Lightbox gallery and museum.

Katherine’s talk will provide a fascinating insight into Pop Culture in post-war Britain and explore the influences of America, a nation that wasn’t held back by rationing during the Second World War and consequently was a place where modernity and mass consumerism collided like nowhere else.

The Swinging Sixties was something of a revolution in fashion as designers experimented with bold patterns and unusual materials. Paying particular attention to the garments in the exhibition, from Mary Quant to Biba, Katherine will explain how a relationship developed between fashion, art and youth culture in this fantastical decade.

Katherine will also explore how the increased desire for mass consumption was directly related to the emerging ‘Youthquake’, where for the first time many young people had an unprecedented amount of disposable income, as the economy began to recover after the Second World War. The new idea of ‘self-selection’ emerging in Supermarkets and shops meant that products really had to stand out, and this led to a mass redesign of packaging to make it eye catching and bright – a similar revamp occurred in the advertisement industry. 

Also linking in with the evolving consumerism of Britain, Katherine will be looking at how celebrities were becoming a spectacle, something to aspire to and aim for.

To book your place on Katherine’s talk please call 01483 737837. Tickets are £20 (£16 concessions), all proceeds will support The Lightbox Education Programme.

‘Snap, Crackle and Pop: British Pop Art meets the High Street in the Swinging Sixties’ will be on show at The Lightbox, gallery and museum until 28 September 2011, entrance is free.

Visitor Information: The Lightbox is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am – 5.00pm and Sunday 11.00am – 5.00pm. Entrance is free. For more information please visit www.thelightbox.org.uk or call 01483 737800.