Ray of Light

We go behind the scenes at the Lightbox to find out more about Woking’s world-class culture hub 

Founded in 2007 in a direct response to residents’ request for a creative centre, the Lightbox has become Woking’s beating cultural heart.

Not only does it serve as an art gallery which hosts an eclectic mix of exhibitions of local contemporary art to works by some of the world’s finest present and past masters, but it also drives participation through workshops and events that cater for everyone from pre-schoolers to those aged 90 plus.

“It’s exciting times at the Lightbox,” says director Sarah Brown. “We have just opened two new exhibitions: Paula Rego: Visions of English Literature - a Portuguese artist who was based in London and did these wonderful etchings of Jane Eyre, Peter Pan, and lots of nursery rhymes. This is probably the first show since the artist died and the exhibition also features some of her personal affects too. 

“We have more than 100 images which will fill the main gallery. It’s an opportunity to see a lot of work which hasn’t been seen before by one of Britain’s most well-known painters.”

Not only that, but in the upper gallery there is an exhibition of Henri Matisse. Entitled, ‘Drawing with Scissors’, the show focuses on work created in the final four years of his life.

“It is really special,” says Sarah. “It includes some amazing stuff - the Snail, as well as figurative works, including the famous Blue Nude and some things people may well not have come across before - including some lovely personal images based on his garden.

“Spring is here and both these exhibitions are really uplifting shows that bring amazing, world-class pieces to our town.”

While outwardly the space is always bursting with life and creativity, Sarah says financial cutbacks which have hit many arts bodies post-Covid-19, have led to a ‘challenging’ couple of years.

However, 2025 has brought some exciting news with the announcement that the Lightbox has secured more than £300,000 from Arts Council Mend to cover urgent repair works at the Chobham Road space.

“It has been tough but we have come through it and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported us - Arts Council England, National Heritage, Woking and Surrey councils and every single person who comes through the door to see an exhibition or have a cup of coffee,” says Sarah.

“Our iconic building - designed by the brilliant Marks Barfield Architects - is approaching 20 years old and we now need to fix a number of things. But we will be staying open throughout.” 

Sarah says for anyone living or thinking about moving to Woking, the cultural hub provides a warm welcome no matter what your age or stage of life.

“I know that one of the wonderful benefits of living in Woking is its great transport links to London,” she acknowledges. “But getting a family of four up there is still expensive. If you live in Woking you can walk, cycle or skate to the Lightbox and enjoy the courtyard and find anything you need from adult drawing classes to children’s painting sessions and workshops for people with dementia.

“We are definitely an asset and we really do have a lot on offer for the community,” she adds.

So what’s next for this local landmark? 

“We want to continue to offer local people great exhibitions,” says Sarah, revealing that the gallery is currently working with the Tate to bring a major showing of Andy Warhol to Woking this summer. 

“I am really determined that while times are hard our ambitions are not compromised. We are talking about showing artists such as Matisse, Rego and Warhol - not to mention local artists for whom we are a valuable resource."

“I just hope it will continue to be a great place for people to visit - the Lightbox is something that sets Woking apart and we just want to make sure it is here for the next generation.”

To find out more, visit: thelightbox.org.uk