Dimbola Museum & Galleries

An Evening celebrating Frankie Miller
2026-08-29 18:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | Dimbola Museum & Galleries, Terrace Lane, Freshwater, Isle of Wight, PO40 9QE, United Kingdom
Join us on Saturday 29th August for a special evening celebrating Frankie’s life, music and enduring legacy.
Few singers have earned the admiration of fellow musicians quite like Frankie Miller. Praised by legends including Rod Stewart, Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt and the Eagles, the Scottish singer-songwriter was blessed with one of the most distinctive voices in rock and blues. Frankie is sadly unable to attend because of the devastating brain haemorrhage he suffered in 1994, which left him unable to perform. However, those who knew him best will ensure his story is told with warmth, affection and honesty. The centrepiece of the evening will be an ‘In Conversation’ between Frankie’s close friend and biographer, Davy Arthur, and acclaimed sculptor and broadcaster Guy Portelli.
Davy has known Frankie for decades and has written two books about his life and career. Together, he and Guy will share personal memories, little-known stories and insights into the man behind some of Britain’s finest songs, offering audiences a rare glimpse into the humour, talent and generosity that made Frankie so loved by everyone who met him.
Music will, of course, be at the heart of the evening, and the Island’s legendary guitarist Dick Taylor – a founding member of The Pretty Things and former member of The Rolling Stones – will accompany acclaimed vocalist Jo Larcombe, to perform a selection of Frankie’s best-loved songs. Together they will bring the music back to life in what promises to be an emotional and unforgettable tribute.
Dr Brian Hinton, Exec Chair of Julia Margaret Cameron Trust says ” Frankie Miller’s time in the spotlight was brief but explosive, one of the greatest soul singers of his time, now cruelly retired from active service. But his legacy shines bright!”
The evening starts at 6.30pm (doors 6pm) includes a 20 minute interval and finishes at approximately 8.45pm. Drinks will be available to buy from our special bar menu. There will be a book signing at the end of the evening by Davy Arthur.
or fans of Frankie Miller, classic rock, great songwriting or simply wonderful stories from people who were there, this promises to be a very special evening.

A Pictorial History of the IOW Festival 1968 - 2009 By Gem Bell
2026-06-13 10:00 - 2026-08-31 16:00
A vibrant exhibition showcasing a pictorial of the IOW Festival 1968 – 2009 by the artist Gemma Bell (1979 – 2011).
In 2009 Gem was asked by Solo (organisers of the Isle of Wight Festival) to provide something to decorate their massive 15m x 25m V.I.P backstage tent. She set herself the challenge of creating a pictorial history of every major Isle of Wight Festival from 1968 to 2009.
Gem enjoyed combining a variety of methods to produce this body of work, from traditional drawing and painting techniques to shooting digitally through old medium format camera bodies and blending layers through the use of modern applications.
Drawing inspiration from festival posters, tickets, photographs and local memories, Gem created works that celebrate both the history of the Isle of Wight Festival and the creative spirit that continues to define it.
Although Gem Bell’s life was tragically cut short in 2011, her work remains as powerful and relevant as ever.
The exhibition will be on display in the Studio Gallery at Dimbola.
Visitors can also explore the museum’s renowned collections relating to the Isle of Wight Festivals along with the new Experience Hendrix exhibition and discover the Island’s rich cultural and musical heritage.
