A unique new exhibition celebrating lost Isle of Wight shopfronts has gone on display inside Ryde’s smallest art gallery, bringing together community creativity and heritage craft skills.
Re:Box, located in a former red phone box on Lind Street in Ryde, is showcasing photographs of a handmade wall hanging depicting former shops in Ryde and Newport.
The piece, titled Heritage Threads, has been created as part of Creative Island’s Past Futures project, with Stitch Department in Ryde leading 20 workshops involving nearly 100 participants.
Those taking part learned a range of traditional skills including hand embroidery, goldwork, beading, needlework, slow stitching and patchwork.
Amber Rose, Stitch Department Manager, has said:
“Throughout time people have used craft to pass on stories.
“But vital heritage skills are at risk of disappearing with progress and speed taking over the fashion and textile industries.”
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She added:
“During our Past Futures project people were able to connect to the craft skills we imparted to them, ensuring that techniques and methods are cherished now, and in the future.”
The collaborative wall hanging celebrates high street shops that no longer exist but remain part of the Island’s collective memory.
It will be exhibited over the coming months at Department in Ryde, Ryde Library and additional locations in Newport. This information is not fully provided.
Zoë Barker, co-founder of Re:Box, has said:
“We’re delighted to artfully display photographs of this evocative wall hanging.
“They’re certain to spark memories for many of us. And we hope remind everyone of how important our high streets, shops and cafes are as places that ground us in the local community, giving us a sense of identity and history.”
Creative Island, the Isle of Wight’s cultural development agency, supported the project with funding from The National Heritage Lottery as part of a wider programme backing 6 community initiatives exploring the Island’s history.
Re:Box itself is housed in a classic Kiosk No.6 red telephone box, purchased by Ryde Town Council for £1 through BT’s ‘Adopt a Kiosk’ scheme.
The space has since been transformed by local artists into a miniature gallery, illuminated from within to create a striking display visible both day and night.
