Exhibition

A Pictorial History of the Isle of Wight Festival 1968–2009 by Gem Bell

12 June - 31 August 2026
10am - 4pm

With a National Art Pass you get

Free entry

A vibrant exhibition showcasing the extraordinary talent and vision of artist Gem Bell

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.

This listing is supplied by one of our museum partners and is not moderated by Art Fund.

Get a National Art Pass and explore Dimbola Museum & Galleries

You'll see more art and your membership will help museums across the UK

National Art Pass offers available at Dimbola Museum & Galleries

Free entry
IndividualTiana Clarke Please note this is an example card and not a reflection of the final product

Visitor information

Address

Dimbola Museum & Galleries

Dimbola Museum & Galleries, Terrace Lane, Freshwater Bay, Isle Of Wight, PO40 9QE
01983 756814

Opening times

Opening times:

7 days a week 10am-4pm

Exclusions and safety measures

We are usually closed for most of January for refurbishments please check website.

 

 

Visitor information