Home / Arts and Entertainment / Plymouth's Beryl Cook Centenary Draws Crowds
Plymouth's Beryl Cook Centenary Draws Crowds
16 May
Summary
- Beryl Cook exhibition surpasses 90,000 visitors, a record for The Box gallery.
- Sculpture trail featuring Cook's characters attracts visitors to Plymouth.
- The celebrations mark 100 years since the birth of artist Beryl Cook.
Plymouth is seeing a significant increase in tourism, with over 90,000 visitors flocking to The Box gallery for the "Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy" exhibition. This event, marking 100 years since the artist's birth, has become the venue's highest-attended exhibition since its opening in 2020. Complementing the gallery showcase, a sculpture trail featuring beloved characters from Cook's paintings, such as "Fish and Chips" on the waterfront, is further enticing visitors.
The "Beryl affect" is demonstrably boosting Plymouth's economy, with tourism bosses reporting benefits to hospitality and retail sectors. Visitors are traveling from across the UK and even internationally, with 45% of exhibition attendees coming from outside the region. This cultural celebration underscores Plymouth's growing reputation as a desirable destination, fostering a partnership between arts and tourism.
The festivities, honoring Cook's legacy, include sold-out walking tours and an extended off-shoot exhibition. The "Dear Beryl" display has been prolonged until June 21, offering continued opportunities for art enthusiasts. Beryl Cook's work, celebrating everyday life in Plymouth, continues to resonate across generations, attracting both those who knew her art and younger audiences discovering it for the first time.
