This Saturday, if you happen to be up in Newport doing your Christmas shopping, why not take a break from the mayhem and pop into the Museum of Island History in Newport.
A recent acquisition that was donated to the museum will be on display.
It is a painting of Italian revolutionary Giuseppe Garibaldi.
The painting was commissioned when Garibaldi visited the Island in 1864, at the time staying with Charles Seely at Brook House. We understand that the daughters of Louis and Julia Denaro, who bought the Old Coach House at Brook House in 1958 have donated the painting to the Isle of Wight Council’s Heritage Service.
We’re told that when Garibaldi arrived in Cowes back in 1864, there was a crowd of over 2000 people to welcome him.
Whilst on the Island he visited Alfred Lord Tennyson at Farringford as well as being greeted by thousands of Islanders on the streets of Newport, which were decorated with flags and banners, whilst he made his way to the Guildhall for dinner.
So why not pop along to the museum this Saturday. It’s based within the Guildhall, on the corner of Quay Street, Newport and entry is free of charge all day.
Click on the image to see larger version
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Image: IW Council
