Dimbola Museum and Galleries, originally the home of pioneering Victorian photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, is celebrating its 30th anniversary next month (1st June). Established in 1994, Dimbola has become a beacon of artistic exploration and historical preservation, attracting visitors from around the globe. In its illustrious history, Dimbola has curated countless exhibitions, workshops, and events, fostering a vibrant community of artists, scholars, and enthusiasts alike. From the earliest days of photography to the cutting-edge innovations of today, Dimbola remains at the forefront of preserving photographic heritage and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. Brian Hinton, Chair of the Julia Margaret Cameron Trust, has said:
“We are thrilled to commemorate 30 years of Dimbola Museum & Galleries. “Since our founding, we have been dedicated to preserving the past, engaging with the present, and inspiring the future of photography. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue our mission of fostering creativity, curiosity, and connection through the power of images.”
To celebrate this historic milestone, Dimbola has planned a schedule of events during the day followed by an invitation-only evening party hosted by Jules Cameron, the Vice president of Dimbola, the great great great granddaughter of Julia Margaret Cameron, international DJ and comedian. Cocktails will be supplied by Mermaid Gin and the Isle of Wight Cocktail Company kindly staffed by expert mixologists from The Albion Hotel who will also provide canapés, a taste of their new hotel a short walk away. Jules Cameron will be doing a DJ set and is also curating a collection of arts from special guest artists, Lauren Baker, Diana Gomez and others. The main exhibition is by Lisen Stibeck, a contemporary Swedish photographic artist who shares unexpected parallels with Julia Margaret Cameron in their respective creative journeys. Born more than a century apart, these artists share an unwavering devotion to the craft, an exploration of the feminine experience, and the manifestation of dreamlike realities. The Lisen Steinbeck exhibition will be on display between 25th May – 26th August. 
As Dimbola embarks on its next chapter it invites visitors, supporters and patrons to join in celebrating 30 years of photographic excellence and innovation to honour the past and embrace the present, envisioning the limitless possibilities of the future through the lens of Dimbola.
The Trust would have more money to spend on worthwhile projects like this if the Chair didn’t keep eating the profits and would take a packed lunch in like normal workers instead of claiming lunch on expenses.
How many years has that been going on now while other trustees bite their lip.?
I still do not understand how or why there is a bronze statue of a drug addict in the garden of a Victorian photographers house, just because the Chair saw him playing guitar in a field 3 miles away in 1970.
I visit this place a lot, but it needs a change of helm.
Great place — well worth a visit, and then another one!
Jules Cameron is a desperate and talentless wannabe.