Annie Whiles, Doorway Guardians, Preview

Matt’s Gallery, London and KARST, Plymouth are pleased to announce a year-long collaborative project with Annie Whiles.

Join us for a special preview of Annie Whiles' Doorway Guardians as they are unveiled at Matt's Gallery, before they leave on their Journey to KARST.

Doorway Guardians is a series of three large woodcarvings by Whiles. They combine the imagery and culture of British seaside destinations with the media and methods of sacred painted medieval carvings, while echoing the artist’s memories of molded-plastic charity collection boxes of the 1960s and ‘70s.

They are designed to sit in the entranceways and thoroughfares of gallery buildings. Their role as divine attendants is to be preoccupied but open, listening and on watch, to be touched. Throughout 2026 they will simultaneously occupy entrance spaces at Matt’s Gallery in London and KARST in Plymouth.

Over the course of the year they will be rotated and exchanged, following the galleries’ exhibition schedules and setting up a changing series of encounters for visitors at both venues. Eccentric and idiosyncratic, Whiles’ work combines highly accomplished technical skill with cheeky humour. There is often more than meets the eye – hidden elements and surprises are there for those who look.

The works are neither rarified nor precious but designed to travel, gathering patina from being touched by visitors as they encounter different audiences in different spaces. Each stands between 150 and 185cm in height and weighs between 160 and 250kg.

Collaboration between public art organisations across the UK is central to the project, with the Guardians taking on a civic role that encourages a sense of public ownership. A spirit of cooperation is embodied through touring and sharing the work.

Exhibition continues 23 January - 18 December 2026
Wednesday - Sunday, 12-6pm, or by appointment

Doorway Guardians was developed by Whiles with support from an Arts Council England Developing Your Creative Practice grant and Goldsmiths, University of London. The exhibition is a partnership between Matt’s Gallery, London and KARST, Plymouth with support from the Henry Moore Foundation.

Doorway Guardians are made to travel. If you are interested in hosting them in your gallery entrance or public building please get in touch.