Dimbola Museum and Galleries launched a new space dedicated to Jimi Hendrix and his appearance at Afton at the 1970 Isle of Wight Festival.
On the 20th anniversary of the unveiling of the almost life size statue of Hendrix in in the grounds of Dimbola, Sculptor John Swindells revealed he got the commission because his sister worked for John Giddings.
She simply said to John Giddings that she knew a sculptor who could do the work. Sculptor John said he was keen to get the neck of the guitar correct which took a lot of time and effort.
Eventually the sculpture was cast at a foundry in Putney in late 2005.
Inside Dimbola, 2 rooms have been revamped to house the new exhibition which shows press cuttings, posters, photographs and artefacts.
In 1970 photographer Charles Everest managed to obtain intimate portraits because performers relaxed when he was behind the camera.
There is a film of Hendrix’s somewhat lacklustre and shambolic performance at Afton even though it was captured in colour.
At the launch of the exhibition Dr. Brian Hinton MBE introduced guests and thanked all those who had brought this new venture together. Promoter Ray Foulk obviously championed Bob Dylan as he was instrumental in booking him for the Wootton Festival in 1969.
John Giddings on the other hand prefers Hendrix, while also decrying Dylan as the only artiste whose songs are better when covered by other performers. John also took a swipe at the then Isle of Wight Council which in 1970 effectively ended the Isle of Wight Festival for 32 years.
Ray Foulk debunked the story that Hendrix played his set at Afton during a fire on stage – it was only a minor event and happened after the group had left the stage.
British fashion model Linda Keith girlfriend of both Keith Richards and Brian Jones has been credited with discovering Hendrix in the 1960s. Linda was the subject of the Rolling Stones track “Ruby Tuesday.”
These new displays, sponsored by Solo Music Agency, give a fascinating look into the past IW Festivals and are now open for all to view prior to this year’s Sky presents The Isle of Wight Festival.
