Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour
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4 July-4 October 2026
10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday
FREE
Explore the life, work and legacy of pioneering female artist Gillian Ayres (1930−2018).
Ayres was a formidable and brilliant artist who came of age in a post-war British art world that was dominated by men. She remained entirely faithful to painting as it went in and out of fashion and the huge vibrant works she produced are a testament to her fearless and unwavering commitment.
Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour brings together 26 of Ayres’ vibrant paintings. Tracing her bold and expressive style, they span seven decades of creative practice. Seminal works such as Hampstead Murals from the late 1950s and works created at her rural North Devon home in the 1990s and early 2000s are shown alongside Harlyn Bay, made when she was just 15 years old.
Known for her energetic brushwork and rich use of colour, the exhibition showcases the feeling and emotion that guided Ayres, giving you the chance to encounter the fearless experimentation and emotional intensity that defined her approach to painting.
Ayres’ deep connection to the landscapes and rural life of South West England were an enduring source of inspiration for her. She lived in a remote spot on the North Devon/North Cornwall border from 1987 until her death in 2018 and the rhythms, colours and expansiveness of life in the countryside allowed her to create some of her most ambitious and monumental works.
The Box is free to visit but to enjoy priority access to our exhibitions we encourage visitors to book a ticket in advance.
10am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday
FREE
Explore the life, work and legacy of pioneering female artist Gillian Ayres (1930−2018).
Ayres was a formidable and brilliant artist who came of age in a post-war British art world that was dominated by men. She remained entirely faithful to painting as it went in and out of fashion and the huge vibrant works she produced are a testament to her fearless and unwavering commitment.
Gillian Ayres: A Life in Colour brings together 26 of Ayres’ vibrant paintings. Tracing her bold and expressive style, they span seven decades of creative practice. Seminal works such as Hampstead Murals from the late 1950s and works created at her rural North Devon home in the 1990s and early 2000s are shown alongside Harlyn Bay, made when she was just 15 years old.
Known for her energetic brushwork and rich use of colour, the exhibition showcases the feeling and emotion that guided Ayres, giving you the chance to encounter the fearless experimentation and emotional intensity that defined her approach to painting.
Ayres’ deep connection to the landscapes and rural life of South West England were an enduring source of inspiration for her. She lived in a remote spot on the North Devon/North Cornwall border from 1987 until her death in 2018 and the rhythms, colours and expansiveness of life in the countryside allowed her to create some of her most ambitious and monumental works.
The Box is free to visit but to enjoy priority access to our exhibitions we encourage visitors to book a ticket in advance.
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Where is it happening?
The Box Plymouth, City Library, Tavistock Place, Plymouth, PL4 8AJ, United Kingdom
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherThe Box Plymouth
