Doorway Guardians

Doorway Guardians is a series of three large woodcarvings by Annie Whiles. They combine the imagery and culture of British seaside destinations with the media and methods of painted medieval religious 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.

The Guardians will be rotated and exchanged, 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.

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