eyond the Page: South Asian Miniature Painting and Britain, 1600 to Now

Unknown artist, A late Mughal Album of Calligraphy and Paintings, ca.1720-1740, Royal Collection Trust.

It’s believed there are around 100,000 South Asian miniatures held in museum, gallery and library collections across the UK, yet they are rarely seen. Beyond the Page includes a fantastic selection of these works, including pre-20th century paintings of battle scenes, love affairs, spiritual parables and exquisite depictions of the natural world drawn. Many are rarely displayed due to their fragility. They are shown alongside modern and contemporary works by artists from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Australia, the Netherlands, UK and USA.

South Asian miniature painting is defined by its intricate craftsmanship, intimate scale and intense narrative. Beyond the Page focuses on Britain’s role in its development since the 1600s and explores how, from the 1900s onwards, artists have taken it beyond the pages of illuminated manuscripts to experimental forms that include installations, sculpture and film.

This exhibition is also a chance to explore what and why we collect – as well as shining a light on some beautiful works from Plymouth’s permanent collection. A new display case featuring a small selection of beautiful Mughal miniature paintings from the Box’s historically important Cottonian Collection will be on show in the 100 Journeys gallery and Cottonian Research Room at the same time as Beyond the Page.