Dimbola

Greg Douglass at Dimbola 6th October!
2024-10-06 19:00 - 20:30 UTC
After last year’s totally sold out appearance as the top Californian rock guitarist Greg Douglass- a key member of The Steve Miller Band – is returning on Sunday 6th October for another “up close and intimate” gig.
Together with his superb U.K band Greg will be presenting an evening dedicated to The Steve Miller Band’s many hits. Greg co-wrote the hit “Jungle Love” which he performed on The Steve Miller Band’s “Book Of Dreams” album. It later re-surfaced on the “Steve Miller – Greatest Hits” 1974- 1978″ album – which has sold over FIFTEEN MILLION copies in the U.S.A. alone! Greg also contributed to songs on Steve Miller’s albums “Abracadabra” (including the title track-= a number one single) and “Living In The Twentieth Century“. Not surprisingly Greg and the rest of the band were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio in 2016.
After “Abracadabra”, “The Joker” is probably the best known Steve Miller Band song, although “Rock’n Me’ topped the Charts, “Fly Like an Eagle” was a million-selling single which reached number two, “Jet Airliner” reached number eight, whilst “Take The Money and Run” was also a top ten hit.
Greg has also been a member of Van Morrison’s band, Janis Joplin’s band Big Brother & The Holding Company, The Jefferson Airplane offshoot Hot Tuna, and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Tom Fogerty’s band, toured with r & b legend Bo Diddley. As the guitarist with The Greg Kihn Band, he recorded their massive hit “Jeopardy”, which reached number two on the U.S charts – only held back by from the number one spot by Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”.
Greg will be playing lead guitar, fronting his very experienced U.K based band. Keyboard player Rob Beckinsale and bassist Steve Browning were members of the legendary San Francisco band It’s A Beautiful Day, and appeared at The Isle Of Wight Festival with them. Steve was also a member of The Pretty Things, together with Dick Taylor, the first bass player for The Rolling Stones. The “new boy” -drummer Chris Hughes – was a member of the Manfred Mann offshoot Deaf Boy Hugg & The Hearing Aids. Rob, Steve & Chris all members of Woodstock Festival legend Barry The “Fish Melton’s U.K band, who recently performed at Dimbola Museum & Galleries in July.
This is an intimate and “up close ” event with STRICTLY LIMITED availability – ‘first come first served.’
Doors open at 6.30.p.m. for 7 p.m start. Drinks will be available to purchase from the bar.
If you saw them last time, you know how good these guys are – tickets are just £13, very limited and on sale now.
Call us on 01983 756814 between 10am-4pm and pay card over the phone or pop in.
Don’t miss out – buy your tickets NOW as this one will sell out!!

Lee Miller: Style is Strength
2025-02-01 - 2025-05-18
1st February – 18th May
Fashion photographer Lee Miller captured the essence of women for magazines such as British and American Vogue.Living in war time Britain, she turned her talents towards documenting the experience of women during the passage of World War II.On loan from Farley’s House, Miller’s post-war Sussex home, this exhibition shows wartime women as they have never been seen before.
Of the photographs in the collection, some evoke the urgency and resourcefulness of wartime Britain without being too explicit.In others, though, Miller does not disguise the wartime context of her work: defiantly, models pose in front of the destruction inflicted by the devastating bombing raids of the Blitz.
In her piece ‘Check Mate’, distributed in British Vogue in 1943, Miller drew attention to the difficulties of publishing colour photography in wartime. Through ‘Hats Assignment’, she urged the public to fight the war with fashion.
The Lee Miller collection on display at Dimbola until the 18th May showcases examples of her work from 1940-1944, demonstrating the attitudes of women during WWII. Brought together, Miller’s work will show how these women would not bow down to the harsh realities of war, striving instead to maintain their feminine strength with pride.

Marco Sanges: One Step Closer
2025-02-01 - 2025-05-18
1st February – 18th May 2025
One Step Closer by photographer Marco Sanges marks his exhibitionary debut at Dimbola.
The exhibition is on display alongside the work by legendary photographer, Lee Miller. While their work stands eight decades apart, both Miller and Sanges hold unique balances in their prolific portfolios between stunning portraiture and capturing moments of extreme crisis.
On having his work displayed at Dimbola, Sanges expressed, “Creating this project was a deeply spiritual experience comprised of intense emotions that were as contrastingly dark and light as the portraits themselves. I am honoured to see this new work alongside Lee Miller’s, as our work runs in several parallels – both analogue photography with a similar language that emphasizes the noir beauty of black and white photography.”
One Step Closer uses the power of art and storytelling to enact change through an intimate series of portraits that capture paragons of film, theatre, music, and literature. Some of the project’s participants include Bob Geldof, Elizabeth McGovern, Jeremy Irons, Brian Cox, Gyles Brandreth, and Clare Balding. While resulting in dramatic, narrative-based imagery, the true aim of this initiative is to raise funds via auction for Under One Sky, a London-based not-for-profit charity to set up to support the homeless community.As Sanges’ subjects take one step closer to the camera, proceeds will help bring us all one step closer to ending homelessness.
Julian Bell, President of Dimbola, and Brian Hinton, the museum’s Director, have expressed great excitement for this display. Bell describes Sanges’ images as “…collaborations in which the subject and the artist lean in together – closer and closer – to visualise that flame of fantasy within. The results are by turns rapturous, hilarious and scary: often, of their nature, wildly melodramatic; in every case, imprinted with the uniqueness of the sitter.” Bell and Hinton specialise in curating the best work at Dimbola, maintaining the integrity and prestige of the museum’s catalogue to honour the memory of Julia Margaret Cameron, a Victorian photography pioneer and former resident of the museum’s site.
This collaborative exhibit runs until 18 May, 2025.

Learn: Studio Photography
2025-03-08 11:00 - 15:00
Learn: Studio Photography Workshop

Wet Plate Collodion Photography Workshop
2025-03-15 - 2025-03-16
As the historic home of Julia Margaret Cameron, we are thrilled to offer a unique opportunity to experience the magic of the Wet Plate Collodion process. Join us as we step back in time and explore this captivating 19th-century photographic technique, the very one mastered by Cameron herself.

Award-winning photographer Dave Shrimpton (Portrait of Britain winner) will be your guide, demonstrating the intricacies of wet plate collodion right here in this home of creative portraiture. This is a chance not only to witness this incredible process first hand, but also, time permitting, to be one of the sitters for the wet plate collodion portraits, captured using the same methods employed by the photographic pioneers.
March 15th Demo day: £99 pp
Time: 9:30am-5pm
During this fascinating demonstration, you will:

Explore the History: Delve into the rich history of wet plate collodion and examine original examples of this remarkable technique, understanding its impact on the world of photography.
Prioritise Safety: Health and safety briefing, covering all aspects of working with the chemicals and equipment involved.
Discover the Equipment: Get acquainted with the cameras and lenses used in the process, understanding their role in creating these unique images.
Witness Darkroom Magic: Observe the intricacies of mixing the chemistry and preparing the plates in the darkroom, including the crucial steps of pouring and sensitising.
Capture the Light: See how plates are loaded and exposed using natural window light, a technique favoured by Julia Margaret Cameron herself.
Explore Different Plates: Witness demonstrations using both glass ambrotype and tintype plates, showcasing the versatility of the process.
Observe Development: Watch the fascinating process of developing, fixing, and washing the plates, as the image emerges before your eyes.
The Finishing Touches: See how the plates are varnished, waxed, and finished to ensure they are archival and will last for generations.

March 16th Hands on Workshop: £295 pp
Time 9:30am-5pm
Spend the day creating beautiful portraits and still life in a way that only Wet Collodion can!
The workshop also includes:

History and original examples of this incredible 1850 Frederick Scott Archer process
Health/safety information and briefing
Introduction to my Wet-Plate studio cameras & lenses
Chemistry and darkroom tuition – pouring and sensitising your plates
Loading and exposing plates with both studio and natural light
Developing, fixing and washing your tintype and ambrotype plates
Varnishing/waxing and finishing your plates to make them archival for the next 150 years
Chemical maintenance and advice on how to start your own Wet Collodion journey

Prepare to be amazed as you step into the world of wet plate collodion and experience the alchemy of photography in the very place where it flourished in the 1860s.
Limited spaces available phone us on 01983 756814 to book now!
For more info on Dave Shrimpton click here
Watch his latest documentary on Wet Collodion

Poetry & Jazz Cafe at Dimbola
2025-04-24 16:00 - 18:00
Join us on Thursday 24th April at 4pm for toe-tapping jazz with JC Jazz in the Tearoom,then for some poetry & more music withLydia Fulleylove, Barry Smith & Chris Hardyplus Paul Armfield in the Olympus Gallery at 5pm!
Why not treat yourself to some of our delicious cakes& scones available from the tearoom.
Suggested donation of £4 to support the museum’s workCharity No. 1026339 Julia Margaret Cameron Trust

Kathleen Holloway: Sea Change
2025-05-25 10:00 - 2025-09-07 16:00
Kathleen Holloway is a multi-genre photographer whose images range from street photography, still life, and photo abstractions. She has studied at The International Center of Photography and Penumbra Foundation, both in New York City, as well as The Art Institute of Seattle in Washington state.
After graduating, she pursued a career as a photo editor in publishing and the entertainment industry. With an over 20 year career of hiring photographers, producing photo shoots and as a retoucher, Kathleen has moved on to the next phase of her career, showing her own work. Recent solo exhibitions include Gallery 178 and The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum in 2023 both in Manhattan. Her work was also featured in NoMAA Women in the Heights: Dress at the NoMAA Gallery, New York, was a selection for the 19th National Photography Competition at Fotofoto Gallery, in Huntington, NY, and featured in the 20th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards for Women in Photography held at FotoNostrum Mediterranean House of Photography, in Barcelona, Spain. She is also a member of Soho Photo Gallery in New York City.
“I’ve always had a love for art and photography, since my father taught me the basics on his Pentax K1000 when I was a child. His experience and passion as a commercial artist encouraged me as I took my first steps to becoming a photographer.
Over the last few years I have started experimenting with panoramic 35mm and medium format film photography and exploring historical printing techniques like cyanotype and platinum/palladium. I am continually interested in learning new ways to capture the world around us.”
Sea Change is a personal photo project inspired by her father-in-law’s love of sailing and his struggle with dementia. Photographing nautical items like fishing nets, stony beaches, and weathered ropes from around the shores of Britain, she reflects each frame back to itself to reimagine patterns, textures, and colours making the familiar seem unfamiliar.

Sheila Rock: Punk +
2025-05-25 10:00 - 2025-09-07 16:00
We are proud to present PUNK + a compelling exhibition showcasing a retrospective by acclaimed photographer Sheila Rock. From the raw energy of 1970s punk, with iconic images of The Clash, Siouxsie Sioux, and Billy Idol, to the polished pop aesthetics of the 1980s music scene. Also accompanying the exhibition are a selection of photographic portraits from the series entitled Tough and Tender, that were made in seaside towns around England. Although initially interested in the aesthetics of seascapes when starting on this series, Rock’s dignified and stoic portraits reflect a quiet politics, documenting subjects and environments on the economic margins of the early 21st Century.
Sheila Rock came to the UK from America in 1970, and began a series of successful careers; firstly as a primary documenter of the punk era, then as a successful commercial photographer in advertising and editorial and more recently as the author of photographic books featuring works of her own private passions. The Face magazine launched her career, and she later contributed to a variety of diverse titles including German Vogue, Elle, Glamour, Architectural Digest, Sunday Times, Telegraph Magazine, Brides, Time Magazine and Rolling Stone Magazine. Her book PUNK +, published in 2013, is a document of the London 1970s punk scene that was also accompanied by a series of exhibitions in London, Paris and Berlin and later, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. Her book Tough & Tender is a delicate and sensitive report from the English seaside and 80s SOUND AND VISION published in 2022 is an overview of youth culture in the 80s featuring photographs from her days shooting for THE FACE magazine.
Her books Tough & Tender, Young Punks and 80s Sounds and Vision will be available to purchase from the Dimbola gift shop. A selection of prints will also be available to purchase.
sheilarock.com
Instagram
The exhibition runs until the 7th September.

CJ Nox: The Beauty Of...
2025-06-16 10:00 - 2025-09-07 16:00
We are thrilled to currently have a display of beautiful prints by CJ Nox Photography in our shop. All for sale, starting from £55. Come and take a look!

“CJ Nox is a visual storyteller rooted in the natural rhythms and quiet beauty of the Isle of Wight. A lifelong creative with a background rich in varied experiences, CJ returned to the Island in search of a slower, more intentional way of seeing—and of living. Accompanied by his loyal dog Beans, he roams coastlines, forests, historic towns, and windswept cliffs, capturing fleeting moments that many pass by unnoticed.

His exhibition, The Beauty Of…, reflects his core philosophy: that beauty is not a fixed destination, but something shifting, personal, and ever-present in our daily surroundings. Whether through the geometry of local architecture, the softness of evening light across the Solent, or the wild stillness of a forgotten woodland path, CJ’s work invites us to pause, reframe, and look again.

As a photographer and video creator, CJ blends artistic observation with a deep sense of place. His vlogs explore not just locations, but the stories, atmospheres, and emotions behind each frame. He encourages viewers and visitors alike to rediscover the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary—and to embrace the power of quiet moments.

Through both lens and life, CJ Nox offers a gentle reminder: the world is always waiting to be seen anew.”

cjnoxphotography.com

Alan Edwards to give book launch at Dimbola
2025-06-18 18:00 - 20:00
Alan Edwards, the godfather of British music PR, who has worked with artists such as David Bowie, the Spice Girls, the Rolling Stones, the Stranglers, Prince and Amy Winehouse, is to give a talk at Dimbola on June 18th to launch his book ‘I Was There – Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll’.
Alan’s company The Outside Organisation are PR for John Giddings’ artists, including The Corrs, who will be here for the Isle of Wight Festival that weekend, and John has said he will attend the evening. Sponsored by Mermaid Gin, the evening will begin with welcoming drinks at 6pm followed by a talk from Alan, moderated by Tom Stroud, a Q&A session and a book signing.
In ‘I Was There’, Alan describes getting his break in the mid-’70s as a scruffy, stoned 20-year-old just back from the hippie trail; his encounter with London’s thriving punk scene, which inspired him to set up his own PR company; broadening his horizons as his work with the likes of Blondie takes him to the US and beyond; and his move into the world of pop with the Spice Girls during the tabloid-crazed ’90s.
At the centre of this story sits the defining relationship of Edwards’ career: his close, almost forty-year collaboration with David Bowie. He guides us through a series of vivid, funny, always insightful behind-the-scenes reports, whether he’s playing a spontaneous game of football with Bob Marley, listening to Prince discuss the future of civilisation in a nightclub VIP area, or being used as a pawn in the power struggle between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
Above all, we will be treated to Alan’s’ fascinating observations about the brilliant artists he has worked with and what makes them tick, as he looks back on his role in the last five decades of music and culture.
Tickets for the book launch are available from Dimbola on 01983 756814 at £8 (£7 to Friends of Dimbola) to include free drinks from Mermaid Gin.
Quotes:
‘Alan is such a wonderful storyteller’ Debbie Harry
‘If you love music, you should definitely read this book’ Nihal Arthanayake, BBC Radio 5 Live
‘Alan Edwards is a class act: observant, attentive, always in the right place at the right time. I Was There tells you how’ Jon Savage
‘A beautiful, warm, jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime, lifting-the-stone guide to a secret world . . . I loved it’ Tony Parsons
‘Revelatory’ Will Hodgkinson, The Times
‘Gossipy, insightful and a whole lot of fun’ Neil McCormick, Daily Telegraph
‘An absorbing read . . . Raw, warm and packed with incident’ Barbara Ellen, Observer

Copies of the book will be available to buy from the gift shop at £10.99

Quotes:
‘Alan is such a wonderful storyteller’ Debbie Harry
‘If you love music, you should definitely read this book’ Nihal Arthanayake, BBC Radio 5 Live
‘Alan Edwards is a class act: observant, attentive, always in the right place at the right time. I Was There tells you how’ Jon Savage
‘A beautiful, warm, jaw-dropping, once-in-a-lifetime, lifting-the-stone guide to a secret world . . . I loved it’ Tony Parsons
‘Revelatory’ Will Hodgkinson, The Times
‘Gossipy, insightful and a whole lot of fun’ Neil McCormick, Daily Telegraph
‘An absorbing read . . . Raw, warm and packed with incident’ Barbara Ellen, Observer

Barry "The Fish" Melton Band at Dimbola on Sunday 27th July
2025-07-27 18:30 - 20:45
The Barry “The Fish” Melton Band are appearing at Dimbola Museum & Galleries on SUNDAY 27th JULY – THIS IS NOT TO BE MISSED!!!!!
Barry “The Fish” Melton was the co-founder of Country Joe and the Fish, one of the most influential groups to come from the San Francisco scene. In May 1967, their debut album, “Electric Music For The Mind & Body” was a chart success and still consistently appears in lists of the top psychedelic albums ever made. It’s never been out of print.
In 1967 – the “Summer of Love” – Country Joe and the Fish played the Monterey Pop Festival, as did The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Mamas and Papas, Otis Redding, Simon and Garfunkel, The Steve Miller Band and The Jefferson Airplane . After a superb performance they were in great demand worldwide. Their most famous appearance was at 1969’s historic Woodstock Festival when they played before a staggering HALF A MILLION people!
At Dimbola, Barry Melton will be on lead guitar and vocals, with Natalie Martel from Canada and Stephane Missri from Paris on vocals and guitar too. On keyboards and occasional guitar and vocals we have Rob Beckinsale, and on bass guitar Steve Browning, an ex member of top U.K psychedelic rock band The Pretty Things. Steve and Rob have wowed audiences at Dimbola before, as part of Greg Douglass’ band – Greg was the guitarist for The Steve Miller Band. On drums will be Bernie Fox, who has toured with many American blues legends including Jimmy Witherspoon and Eric Bibb.
This gig is NOT to be missed – they may not pass this way again!!! Tickets are just £10 and are available from Dimbola by phoning us on 01983 756814
Unlike Woodstock Festival, space is limited, so you are advised to book in advance.
Tickets may be available on the door on the night but please try and phone ahead so we can ensure enough chairs are available.
Drinks will be served from 6:30pm with music starting at 7pm. There will be a 15 minute interval.

Greg Douglass and Dick Taylor (of The Pretty Things) at Dimbola last April

Ice Cream Stories with Richelle Rich 7th August 2-4pm
2025-08-07 14:00 - 16:00
Artist Richelle Rich will be collecting stories from visitors in exchange for ice cream at Dimbola on the 7th August
British urban legend has it that Margaret Thatcher, prior to becoming Prime Minister, worked on the emulsifier for soft serve ice cream. Iconic within popular culture and visual storytelling Rich uses the ice cream to create narratives exploring systems of power. Highlighting high and low culture, who is included and who is left behind, the ice cream facilitates a deep interrogation into people, place, class, and the politics of nostalgia. Since 2023 Richelle Rich has created numerous participatory performances in the US and UK, sharing soft serve ice cream with the public in exchange for stories that are documented on handwritten postcards, video, and with a vintage Polaroid camera.
The ice cream becomes a memory machine, provoking deeply personal stories of love, regret and belonging. These ever expanding narratives utilise the specific to expose the universal experience and the fallibility of memory. Rich exposes her Polaroid films to security x rays on her travels increasing the fragility of an already unpredictable medium.
I wonder about Lady Thatcher’s hair and if it was an Elnett infused fire
hazard as she lent over, warming her test tubes on her bunsen burner,
and working out that perfect ratio of air and oil and sugar that would
make ice cream taste creamy with the minimal use of cows, and would
feed a million holiday makers lying oiled and sandy next to bright striped
windbreaks, canvas deck chair seats puffed into little arcs by the wind
below flapping Union Jack flags.
I’m thinking about damp gritty bikini gussets. Sand in sticky crevices.
‘Kiss Me Quick’. Bumper Cars. Two little ducks.
Tongues sticky from stamps pressed on seaside postcards home.
Candy floss fingers writing ‘Wish you were here’.
RR
Richelle Rich is a British/Swiss artist born in London in 1967. She received her MA from the Royal College of Art in London 1997, and a BA (1st) from Central St Martins in 1995. She moved from London to California 12 years ago and now lives and works in Los Angeles and Joshua Tree, with her musician husband, Harry Waters, and their two teenage sons.
Rich is the creator and curator of The Art House JT in Joshua Tree, a creative retreat, domestic exhibition and residency space in the remote desert of Joshua Tree, as well as the editor of The Ice Cream Stories Substack and The Art House Files newsletter.

Her work has been exhibited internationally, including shows at SPRING/BREAK Art Show (New York), Hirschl Contemporary (London), Michael West Gallery (Isle of Wight), Standpoint Gallery (London), The Royal Academy (London), NCK Gdansk (Warsaw), and Soft Core LA (Los Angeles) among many others. She is a published writer and the winner of the Augustus Martin Prize, Falkiner Fine Paper Award, and was shortlisted for FACK Arts Prize. Her work has been featured in Art Forum, Artnet, Art Review, The Guardian, The Financial Times, The Times (London), The Independent, Contemporary Magazine, Time Out (London), Harpers, and QuQuick Clicks
Website : richellerich.com
Email : studio@richellerich.com
Instagram : @richellerich

The Last Great Event Book Launch with Ray Foulk
2025-08-22 18:00 - 20:00
The sights and sounds of the original Isle of Wight Festival will be brought back to life with a string of events over the August Bank Holiday.
Ray Foulk, co-promoter of the 1970 event at Afton, will return to the Island with a new book to celebrate the milestone 55th anniversary of the legendary gathering that saw rock legends Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and The Who take to the stage at Afton.
An estimated 600,000 people showed up to that record-breaking event which was subsequently preserved on film as well as on many records and CDs. Hundreds of thousands of music fans continue to return to the Island every year for the 21st Century version of the Isle of Wight Festival in Newport, an event which is viewed on TV around the world.
Ray Foulk’s updated edition of The Last Great Event, published byMedina Publishing, tells the full insider story of the 1970 festival, which had to overcome fierce local objections to take place. In new chapters for 2025, he explores the enduring legacy that continues to this day with the new Isle of Wight Festivals. The new and expanded paperback edition was published last month, headed by Peter Harrigan who was publicity director of the 1970 festival and the Bob Dylan one a year previously. Also included are more than 50 photographs taken at the more recent Isle of Wight Festivals, courtesy of Isle of Wight Festival director John Giddings. These images were first debuted the Experience the Isle of Wight Festival exhibition series in 2023 at Dimbola , which evolved into the Experience 25 exhibition held in Newport in 2024, and expanded to London’s O2 in that autumn.
“That the history of the Isle of Wight Festival endures is due in no small measure to the amazing run of 23 festivals organised by John Giddings and Solo,” said Ray Foulk.”I am incredibly proud to have had been afforded the opportunity to add a new section on these events to this new paperback revision of The Last Great Event. May the IOW Festival go from strength to strength!”
Friday August 22nd, 6pm to 8pm. ‘The Last Great Event’ with Ray Foulk at Dimbola, Freshwater Bay.
Arrive at 6pm for a complimentary Mermaid gin and tonic, with music in keeping with the 1970 Festival, take your seat by 6:30pm for Ray Foulk’s presentation of the newly revised paperback version of his book, moderated by Tom Stroud. Now including a new chapter about the Isle of Wight Festival from 2002 onwards—as reincarnated by John Giddings—the new book will be available to purchase, with Ray signing copies in the foyer after his presentation.
“I’ve known Ray for 15 years and interviewed him a lot, but there’s still so much to learn about the Isle of Wight Festivals. Ray was at the centre of those events. His books are brilliant and his perspective is unique. It’s always great to hear him talk,” said Tom Stroud.
Tickets are available from Dimbola at £5 per person, £4 for Friends of Dimbola. Please phone us on 01983 756814 or pop in.

This event offers a unique way to revisit the spirit of the Isle of Wight Festival and celebrate its significant place in both local history and global music culture—Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of one of the World’s most beloved music festivals!”
About Dimbola Museum & Galleries (Freshwater), former home of pioneer photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, was saved from demolition by a dedicated group of campaigners, many of whom were involved with, or attended, the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival. Dimbola hosts the first permanent exhibition to the 1970 Festival, showcasing rare photographs, memorabilia, and stories of the historic event.

Pink Floyd Night 7th September with James Hollingsworth 6pm
2025-09-07 18:30 - 21:00
ATTENTION PINK FLOYD FANS!! JAMES HOLLINGSWORTH is appearing at Dimbola Museum & Galleries on SUNDAY 7th SEPTEMBER to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the release of their sublime classic ‘Wish You Were Here’ This will be a very special night featuring top singer/songwriter James’ original take on the music of Pink Floyd.
James will be presenting an all-live solo show, uses modern “looping” technology, with percussion, voice and guitar effects to build complex arrangements in real time. James has a unique, exciting acoustic guitar style reminiscent of the Andalusian tradition, a superb and passionate singing voice with a mean harmonica style to boot. He’ll also be featuring some of his own excellent songs
18.00 – Doors, Bar open in the tearoom for drinks
18:30 – 19:30: first set (1 hr.) in galleries upstairs.
19:30 – 19:50: Break (20 mins)
19:50 – 20:50: Second set (1 hr. )

“James brings together the sights and sounds of Pink Floyd in a way that makes you conjure up thoughts of a whole band. With 30 plus instruments and sounds at his disposal his performance goes beyond performer and musician and becomes art in its own right. A performance worth every minute”(CICCIC, Taunton)
With his upcoming run of headline shows , built upon decades of busy gigging, James has also been seen supporting Nick Harper three times over the years, also Cara Dillon, Hazel O’Connor, Arthur Brown, Phil Beer, 60’s legends It’s a Beautiful Day and even the legendary Barry ‘The Fish’ Melton (of Country Joe and The Fish fame), who once observed:
“It was truly a phenomenal experience hearing James Hollingsworth’s music, I know now that the tradition of groundbreaking music is in good hands. Thank you, James!” (Barry “The Fish” Melton)

Wherever James plays he gets rave reviews -and deservedly so – he’s totally unique.

“The much-touted Bristol-based guitar wizard and songwriter has been compared to Richard Thompson, Al Stewart and early Fleetwood Mac, travels in possession of a mean harmonica style and a rapid-fire, Spanish-influenced guitar-picking technique.” (5 Best Gigs – “The Independent”)
“An absolutely incredible night! Thanks to the super talented James Hollingsworth for an out of this world performance”(The Art Bank, Shepton Mallet)
Just watch the video link below and you’ll understand why everyone raves over James -it’s because there is literally NO-ONE else like him!
https://youtu.be/_06EBfEtLII…

Tickets are just £10 and are available by phoning us on 01983 756814 to book tickets.
Tickets may be available on the night – subject to availability.
Space is limited, so you are advised to book now! It’s an early start – so don’t be late!!!

jameshollingsworth.com

David Tunnicliffe:The Road to Palmyra & Travels with a Tangerine
2025-09-13 10:00 - 2026-01-01 16:00
We are proud to present two stunning exhibitions by David Tunnicliffe, showcasing black and white photographs taken during his travels in the Middle East. In a career spanning over forty years, David’s work as a diplomat and an academic took him to the far corners of the earth, giving him access to unique photographic opportunities denied to many.
The Road to Palmyra
David’s striking images of Palmyra were taken during a visit to Syria in 1993, making them a crucial document in preserving the history of one of the “seven wonders of the Middle East”, and showcasing the magnificence and beauty of this grand city in the desert. In the 1st century BCE, the oasis city of Palmyra, in the centre of modern Syria, was on the main trade route between the Levant and Mesopotamia. Palmyra was incorporated into the Roman Empire during the reign of Tiberius, eventually becoming a luxurious stop and trading station on the Silk Road. In the 20th century, the ruins of ancient Palmyra were carefully preserved and restored, becoming a favoured destination for modern explorers and seasoned travellers, away from the beaten track of the tourist trail. Tragically, in 2015 the city became the target of ISIS, who decimated the ancient towers, museums and theatres, turning them to rubble, and killing the proud custodians of the city, increasing the importance of David’s images as a lasting reminder of what has been lost.
Travels With A Tangerine
Taking his inspiration from Ibn Battuta, a 14th century traveller, David began his worldwide travels in India in 1967, taking his camera to Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, capturing his own photographic record of the places he visited and the people he met. Ibn Battuta was a Magrebhi scholar, who began a 30 year spiritual journey in 1325, covering over 75,000 miles, and recording his experiences in a travel memoir known as the Rihla.Ibn Battuta’s Rihla remains a leading source of contemporary knowledge about the areas he visited, and today his memory is still honoured in the name of modern-day Tangier’s international airport. This beautiful and powerful exhibition represents a mere fraction of the tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of images taken by David during his own Rihla, with the title of the exhibition playfully referring to Ibn Battuta’s Moroccan origins.
About the photographer
In a career spanning more than 30 years his photographic archive holds a vast collection of images from almost every corner of the world. His experience in the diplomatic, commercial and academic worlds have given him unique access to photographic opportunities denied to many. He has taught photography in Ethiopia, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Egypt and in the UK and has a wealth of experience working with museums and international universities on everything from Third Century BC artifacts in Egypt and Neolithic Man in Somalia to reclaiming photographic prints from WWII in Australia.

davidtunnicliffephotography.co.uk

Art & Craft Christmas Fair
2025-11-22 10:00 - 2025-11-23 16:00
Dimbola’s ever popular Art & Craft Christmas fair is back on the 22nd and 23rd November. Expect to find over 25 stalls of quality handmade gifts by local crafters selling items such as jewellery, glass work, felting, paintings, pottery and more.
When you’re feeling peckish you can visit our tearoom for some delicious festive food.
We will also be hosting a brilliant raffle, raising funds for the JMC Trust with prizes kindly donated from local businesses. Just £1 per ticket!
Free Entry all weekend.
Open 10am – 4pm
We hope to see you there!
*Due to the gallery space being used for stalls there will be limited access to museum display.

Big Red & The Cava Boys featuring Dick Taylor 29th November
2025-11-29 18:30 - 20:30
Step back in time and join us for an evening of 60s and 70s music with songs from the 1969 and 1970 IOW Festivals, including those by Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Joan Baez. Plus ex Pretty Things and Rolling Stones lead guitarist, Dick Taylor, will be guesting for a few numbers.
Doors open at 6pm, with music starting at 6.30pm. There will be an 15 minute interval and the gig to finish around 8.30pm. Tickets are £10 (£9 for Friends of JMCT)
Call us on 01983 756814 to book tickets, limited number of tickets available
Dig out your loons, your bell bottoms, cheesecloth shirts and love beads and step back in time with us for Jimi and Friends.
This gig is a fundraiser for the new Jimi Hendrix room that will open at Dimbola next June to celebrate the 20th anniversary installation of Jimi statue at Dimbola. Commissioned by Festival boss John Giddings and installed in June 2006.

Festive Wreath Making at Dimbola
2025-12-10 12:30 - 15:00
Join us on Wednesday 10th December 12:30 – 3pm for Festive Wreath Making
We will start by having a short walk to collect natural items which we will then use back at the gallery to make your festive wreath.
Festive Hot Chocolate and a mince pie included.
£15 Click Here to book!
Limited spaces available
