The Lightbox is a friendly and lively gallery and museum located in Woking in Surrey. Founded in 1993 by a group of 70 arts and heritage enthusiasts, who wanted to create a centre for art and culture, to give the town a sense of place and pride. The organisation set up a very active outreach programme bringing arts and heritage activities to many community groups, schools and young people. In 2001 the gift of a prime town centre site by Woking Borough Council gave the organisation the hope of a long awaited permanent home. The site is easily accessible from the main shopping area but provides a garden running alongside the Basingstoke Canal which is a haven of peace in this busy town centre. Following an international competition Marks Barfield Architects were selected to design a stunning new building which has received both a Civic Trust and an RIBA SE Award. The Lightbox has always had roots very firmly in the local community and has set out to be a much loved local facility for the town it serves, as well as achieving recognition as a regional and national facility.
The Lightbox opened it's doors in September 2007. It is s stimulating, inclusive and welcoming attraction and is the perfect environment for exploration, discovery, creativity and enjoyment. The Lightbox houses a permanent collection of the social history of the town ls"Woking's Story', a museum with a difference it is fun and very interactive with interpretation through the recorded memories of local residents.
There are also two stunning gallery spaces which house changing temporary exhibitions ranging from fine art exhibitions to family friendly shows, innovative photographic displays to controversial political cartoons. The double height main gallery houses major exhibitions often featuring loans from major national and international collections. The smaller upper gallery provides an intimate and calm space to get away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
The Lightbox is most fortunate to have on long term loan a wonderful collection of Modern British Art ls"The Ingram Collection' contains a wealth of sculpture and painting from some of the most famous artists of the 20th century. Sculptures are displayed in informal settings all around the building complemented by the stunning architecture.
At the heart of the Lightbox is learning. Formal education programmes for schools and colleges are run alongside informal family learning through drop in workshops, lectures and special events. Our exciting Education Studio provides a perfect setting, looking out on to the garden, for creative activities of all kinds.
The Lightbox appeals to both young and old, to the seasoned gallery goer but also to those who have never been in a Museum before. It is accessible to all with some of the best disabled facilities in the South East. It enjoys an audience from many different ethnic communities throughout the South East and has strong links with community groups, particularly those working with individuals with learning difficulties and mental health issues.
The Lightbox could not function without the 150 volunteers who help on a daily basis with a great range of tasks from visitor welcome to collection care. There is an active Friends organisation which assists in fundraising and enjoys a programme of special events and lectures. There is also a well supported Corporate membership scheme in which local and national companies support the organisation and benefit from invitations, reductions on corporate hire and staff events.
The Art Fund Prize In May 2008 we won this prestigious award made to the ls"Museum of the Yearls". This was a true testament to all the hard work and dedication of the Lightbox team and supporters. When you visit The Lightbox we are confident that you will see lots of evidence of why we won the prize and you will leave impressed and delighted.
The Lightbox Chobham Road Woking, Surrey GU21 4AA UK marilyn.scott@thelightbox.org.uk www.thelightbox.org.uk
Marilyn Scott director